Primary Progressive MS Research: Treatment Outcomes

PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is characterised by a steady worsening of disease or accumulation of disability from onset without any lengthy periods of stability or ‘remission’.  Some people with primary progressive MS may also experience acute attacks of active disease, commonly referred to as relapses, during which symptoms are exacerbated or new symptoms develop.

PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS:  NEW RESEARCH FINDINGS

Up until the clinical trial results for ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), none of the current MS therapies appeared to have any benefits for people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.  However, a recently published study in JAMA Neurology has provided some stunning new insights that may change this theory.  The research was conducted using the large international multiple sclerosis clinical database, known as MSBase, and performed by researchers in the Clinical Outcomes Research (CORe) Unit associated with the Melbourne Brain Centre at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne.

In the featured video above, Associate Professor Tomas Kalincik (Research Leader, Clinical Outcomes Research Unit) describes the results of the published study.  In a very logical and easy to understand way, Tomas walks us through how the study was performed and clearly illustrates the findings.  Importantly, Tomas also discusses the potential outcomes of this work.  In particular, he mentions how this research may provide evidence that can be used to initiate conversations with regulators in order to change the way some people with primary progressive MS access multiple sclerosis treatments.

It is also worth noting that we are one of the first people to get access to be able to provide coverage of this research – this is due to Tomas’ desire and excitement to share the findings of the CORe team with the MStranslate community. Tomas approached us and offered his time and expertise to explain these findings and we are extremely appreciative of that. I think it is really important that we not only highlight when researchers do amazing work, but also when they make it a priority to ensure that their results are made accessible to the MS community.  Thank you Tomas and the CORe team!