=========================== JeffNEWS, February 21, 1995 =========================== The Trials and Successes of Battling Multiple Sclerosis ------------------------------------------------------- The modern miracle of a cure for a disease is frequently just the best medication that can be developed to control it. In the case of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), there was no such miracle until two years ago when a new drug was approved by the Food & Drug Administration to treat the relapsing- remitting form of this debilitating disease. Since then, researchers at Jefferson, who were instrumental in the development and management of those clinical trials, have continued in their quest to offer options to people with MS. Following the success of the research into beta interferon (marketed as Betaseron), Jefferson neurologists are further exploring ways to impede MS, not only in its relapsing-remitting form, in which attacks can occur sporadically over time, but also in the chronic-progressive form. One of the primary investigators of the Jefferson work, Fred Lublin, MD, co-director of Jefferson's Multiple Sclerosis Center, noted, "Until FDA approval of beta interferon, there was no way to interfere with the mechanisms that stimulate attacks. Beta interferon reduces the frequency and severity of acute attacks. We would like to improve upon these results for all MS patients." Jefferson scientists look at new treatments ------------------------------------------- A new agent currently under study at Jefferson is cladribine (2CDA) for the treatment of the progressive form of MS. Robert Knobler, MD, co-director of Jefferson's MS Center, has been pursuing the causes and mechanisms for control of MS throughout his career. He is primary investigator of the 2CDA study. Tizanidine is another drug that is being evaluated for its ability to control spasticity. Two other trials will soon begin against MS's progressive form: Beta interferon; and linomide, which is administered via a pill rather than an injection, as is beta interferon. Jefferson organizes patient data base ------------------------------------- The Multiple Sclerosis Center at Jefferson manages approximately 1,600 patients, with about 300 of those enrolled in some type of clinical trial. A large patient base is useful in defining and refining the various aspects of patient management. To this end, Jefferson serves as the U.S. support center in a computerized network of 25 MS sites in the United States and Canada, which has enrolled approximately 18,000 patients. "The implications for this data base are very exciting," said Dr. Lublin. "Nobody has ever been able to study this large a group of patients for this disease. We can track demographics and variables nationally, but it also helps us to monitor our own patients in all aspects of care. With the information from this data base, it's much easier to gauge patients who could be recommended for particular clinical trials; and to hopefully offer them a better result sooner," Dr. Lublin said. About Multiple Sclerosis ------------------------ The attacks of MS are generated by a person's own immune system, damaging the insulation around the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. The resulting scar tissue is called sclerosis and impedes messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Scientists don't know the exact cause of MS. Symptoms of the disease begin as numbness and tingling and can lead to unsteadiness, temporary loss of vision, slurred speech, weakness, and either difficulty with or lack of bladder control. While incapacitating, the disease is not generally fatal. Women are twice as likely as men to have MS. It strikes most often between the ages of 20 and 40 and afflicts about 350,000 Americans, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Information provided by: Editor, JeffNEWS (215) 955-6204 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------