The Jab That Could Ease MS Misery

A JAB which could improve the lives of thousands of multiple sclerosis sufferers has been unveiled by scientists.

American researchers have devised a method of using MS sufferers' own white blood cells to stop the incurable condition progressing.

The vaccine would be given to treat the degenerative disease, which affects 80,000 people in Britain, rather than to prevent it.

In early trials, the injection eased symptoms in 40 per cent of patients and cut the number of relapses by more than 90 per cent. Larger-scale trials will start this month.

In MS, rogue white blood cells attack the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, the nerves become scarred and stop transmitting signals.

The Tovaxin jab, which is being developed by Texan biotechnology firm PharmaFrontiers, works by reining in and destroying the renegade blood cells that attack nerves.

Bill Rouse of PharmaFrontiers said: 'If we can treat and arrest MS at an early stage, we may be able to stop progression and the corresponding damage to the central nervous system.' He added that the vaccine is unlikely to become generally available for at least three years.

Source: Daily Mail; London (UK)

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