Big breakthrough in MS treatment
QUEENSLAND scientists have made a major breakthrough in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
A world-first clinical trial of a new cellular immunotherapy for MS has found it improved symptoms and quality of life for the majority of patients.
Researchers from the Uni- versity of Queensland, the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) targeted the accumulation of cells in the brain infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes MS.
The new therapy targeting EBV can potentially stop the progression of MS.
MS, which is a condition of the central nervous system, is estimated to affect more than 25,000 Australians.
It can cause a range of symptoms including problems with co-ordination, balance, weakness, problems in arm and leg functioning, cognitive problems and memory loss.
The successful trial even opens the door to develop similar immunotherapies for other auto-immune conditions.
UQ researcher Professor Michael Pender improvements ranged from reduced fatigue and improved productivity and quality of life to improvements in vision and mobility.
“Importantly, we found the treatment was safe and without serious side effects,” he said.