Press reports over the last month or so have detailed exciting developments for the treatment of Relapsing Remitting MS. 
The TRANSFORMS study (FINGOLIMOD or FTY720) and the CLARITY study (CLADRIBINE) have shown reductions in relapse rates of 52% and 60% respectively. Relapse rates are the most obvious measure of MS disease activity, others include degree of disability and changes in MRI.
Both FTY720 and CLADRIBINE used in the studies are oral preparations and will add to the range of treatment options available for the treatment of this devastating disease. However two important issues remain. These are:
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how effective is reducing relapse rate in terms of limiting long term disability and
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the long term side effect profile of these medications.
The hope is that the suppression of inflammation (the relapses) early in the course of the disease will reduce the long term brain and spinal cord injury which underlies the disability of MS.
The reports give added hope that the momentum towards finding a cure is gaining pace.
Dr Bill Carroll,
Scientific Chairman of MSRA.
