Drug May Delay MS Disability for Some

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 9, 2019 -- An immune system drug may help prevent or slow complications in a type of multiple sclerosis known as secondary progressive MS, a new study finds.

The medication is called rituximab (Rituxan). It's used to treat a number of conditions, including certain blood cell cancers and the autoimmune condition rheumatoid arthritis.

Food Allergies Tied to MS Relapses

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 -- Researchers say they've identified a potential link between food allergies and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis.

"Our findings suggest that MS patients with allergies have more active disease than those without, and that this effect is driven by food allergies," said study author Dr. Tanuja Chitnis, an MS specialist, and colleagues.

FDA Warns of Rare Stroke Risk With MS Drug

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5, 2018 -- A new warning has been added to the multiple sclerosis drug Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) after rare reports of patients suffering strokes and tears in the lining of the arteries in the head and neck, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

Most patients with these problems -- which can lead to permanent disability and death -- developed symptoms within a day of receiving an initial infusion of Lemtrada, the agency said. In one patient, symptoms occurred three days after receiving the drug.

Low-Dose Aspirin May Help Fight MS, Mouse Study Hints

TUESDAY, Nov. 27, 2018 -- Although the findings are so far only in mice, studies suggest that aspirin -- even the "low-dose" variety -- might help counter multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where aberrant immune system T-cells attack and destroy the protective myelin protein sheath that coats nerves.