Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. The insulating sheath around the nerves is progressively destroyed. This leads to a variety of distressing symptoms. It typically affects young adults. The cause is still unknown. New approaches to treatment are being tested including antibody therapies and a factor that may help nerve regeneration. Hopefully, future therapies for this devastating disease will be more than just palliative.
Disease: Multiple Sclerosis
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: What does the future hold?
There is a lot of research going on into ways of modifying the different stages and different forms of this devastating disease. Two antibody therapies are currently undergoing trials. One may stop cells from the immune system from crossing into the brain. The other could reduce the nerve cell destruction seen in MS. Another line of research is evaluating a factor which stimulates myelin cells. This may help nerve regeneration.