By Dr. James W. Stark

A new study was reported on today which draws the conclusion that “using hormonal contraceptives may be contributing at least in part to the rise in the rate of MS among women." Although the original research is not yet available for critical review, the researchers seemingly found that the vast majority of women who developed MS did NOT use oral contraceptives (71%). They did find that 29% of 305 newly diagnosed women had recently used oral contraception,...

The Tisch MS Research Center has had twelve scientific research presentations accepted to the 66th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. The conference is the largest gathering of the neurological community in the world and will take place at the end of April in Philadelphia. Twelve presentations marks a record for the center. Details of the research projects will be made available in the coming months on our websites.

by James W. Stark

Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada and previously known as Campath) has not been approved by the FDA during their recent evaluation.  The FDA sites significant concerns over the medication's safety profile as well as the design of some of the studies.  The FDA has requested more safety and efficacy data from future clinical trials.  Genzyme plans on appealing this decision.

Dr. Andrew Sylvester provided Grand Rounds this morning. He discussed the disorder known as Neuromyelitis Optica or Devic’s Disease. This condition is similar to Multiple Sclerosis in many regards and was once thought to be a variation of MS. Over the last few years, however, the syndrome has been investigated extensively and is a distinct disorder, with a different pathophysiology from MS.