REPORT FROM THE 63rd ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY (AAN), HONOLULU, HAWAII, APRIL 9-16, 2011 – Two analyses of data from the phase III FREEDOMS trial report that fingolimod increases the proportion of MS patients who are disease-free and reduces brain atrophy compared to placebo.
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Cholesterol levels may adversely affect MS disease progression
April 14, 2011REPORT FROM THE 63rd ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY (AAN), HONOLULU, HAWAII, APRIL 9-16, 2011 – A retrospective study of 491 MS patients reports that the serum lipid profile may adversely affect disease progression in MS patients (Weinstock-Guttman et al. AAN 2011; abstract P04.235). The chart review compared the results of lipid profile testing, MRI findings and EDSS scores at baseline and after >6 months’ follow-up.
MS patients may prefer new therapies regardless of risk
April 14, 2011REPORT FROM THE 63rd ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY (AAN), HONOLULU, HAWAII, APRIL 9-16, 2011 – MS patients are inclined to accept new therapies regardless of the potential risks, according to a survey conducted by Wayne State University in the period 2007-2009 (Caon et al AAN 2011; abstract P01.208).
Alemtuzumab reduces 1-year sustained disability: CAMS223 analysis
April 14, 2011REPORT FROM THE 63rd ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY (AAN), HONOLULU, HAWAII, APRIL 9-16, 2011 – CAMMS23 was a phase II trial comparing alemtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets CD52 lymphocytes, with subcutaneous beta-interferon-1a (CAMMS223 Trial Investigators et al. N Engl J Med 2008; 359: 1786-1801; free full text at www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0802670). Alemtuzumab dosing groups received either 12 or 24 mg IV x 1 cycle/year. While alemtuzumab appeared to be more effective than beta-interferon (annualized relapse rate 0.10 vs. 0.36), alemtuzumab was suspended after three patients developed immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP).