Promising Multiple Sclerosis Vaccine Tested

Only Side Effect: A Sore Arm

By Dr. Dean Edell

Dec. 7 - KGO - Multiple sclerosis short-circuits the wiring in the brain, causing loss of feeling, vision problems, fatigue and weakness for about 400,000 Americans. Now a new vaccine is showing promise.

Sue Carlson works up to 12 hours a day helping others feel better.

Sue Carlson, multiple sclerosis patient: "There's nothing I can't do."

Four years ago, Sue could barely muster enough energy to work a half-day. Multiple sclerosis weakened the entire right side of her body.

Sue Carlson, multiple sclerosis patient: "I had to move a body part, predominantly with my left side, and prop it on pillows or towels or blankets in order to do the work I needed to do."

But after six months on an experimental vaccine called neurovax, her strength came back.

Sue Carlson, multiple sclerosis patient: "And it just kept getting better and better and better."

The vaccine works by increasing the number of disease-fighting white blood cells in the immune system. In the first study, it did that for all forty patients who received it - and that's pretty impressive.

Unlike standard treatments, which have to be given daily or weekly, the vaccine only has to be given once a month, and it doesn't cause flu-like side effects.

Dennis Bourdette, M.D., neurologist: "What patients want are treatments that are not only effective, but also aren't not impacting their quality of life because of side effects."

Researchers say the results are encouraging, but larger studies are needed before it can be approved.

Arthur Vandenbark, Ph.D.: "We still have to have a large enough trial that goes on for a minimum of two years, where we see a difference between the vaccinated patients and the control group, or the placebo group."

After a year without an injection, Sue is waiting for a new trial to begin, hoping that another dose of the vaccine will give her even more strength.

Patients say the only side-effect of the vaccine is a sore arm.

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