COVID vaccines have implications for MS disease-modifying therapies
“Vaccine readiness” has become a hot topic in MS, which is often treated with immunosuppressive drugs. In a recent webinar (held on 21st May) hosted by MS Academy, Professor Gavin Giovannoni and Professor David Baker discussed the likelihood of people living with MS being able to respond to a COVID-19 vaccine. At that time, just […]
Essential neurorehabilitation in the aftermath of COVID-19
The impact of coronavirus on our health service has been highly documented, but with the first wave passed, the burden has not lifted, but altered, in the form of rehabilitation. Earlier this week, we highlighted an article in Reuters which has since been echoed in multiple publications – the long-term implications of COVID-19 on a […]
Are the ‘Forgotten Many’ forgotten again? NICE rejects Novartis’ Mayzent for SPMS
Before we, as the MS Academy, respond to NICE it is important we do a short survey to find out what the situation is on the ground and see if there is any consensus in our practice. We would appreciate it if you spend 2 to 4 minutes completing the following survey. Survey The National […]
World MS Day 2020
World MS is officially marked on 30th May. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). World MS Day activities take place throughout the month of May and in early June. The campaign offers flexibility for individuals and organisations to achieve a […]
Fampyra approved in Scotland
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) have approved ‘Fampyra’ for use by people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Scotland. Around 2 in 3 people with MS will develop walking difficulties and the drug, fampridine, improves walking ability in those responsive to it; around 1 in 3 people who try it (Biogen). Developed by Biogen Idec, […]
Paper published on disease-modifying therapies for MS and COVID-19
Professor Gavin Giovannoni has published a commentary paper on ‘The COVID-19 pandemic and the use of MS disease-modifying therapies’ in Elsevier. During the coronavirus pandemic, one of the biggest areas of discussion and concern amongst the multiple sclerosis (MS) community has been around disease-modifying therapies. From what to begin and how, to safe monitoring, to […]
MS Academy in Neurodigest
Neurodigest have just published a piece on how unique education creates clinical leaders and transforms services. Part of Neurology Academy, whose vision is to deliver uniquely practical education to produce specialist clinical leaders and transform local healthcare, MS Academy’s variety of bespoke courses follows the hugely successful model established 18 years ago for Parkinson’s. Fully […]
New MS prevalence data and smoking statistics
A new briefing from Public Health England has issued new prevalence data on MS and links with smoking. Seeking insight into the characteristics of people with MS, the briefing was developed in collaboration with the MS Society and using the THIN dataset. The evidence, which was gathered over an eight year period from financial […]
With DMTs for everyone in sight, are MS services hitting a crisis point?
This year, we reach an exciting landmark for multiple sclerosis (MS) – there could soon be a disease-modifying treatment (DMT) available for everyone living with MS. DMTs are able to slow or even halt the progression of someones’ MS, rather than treating their symptoms only, meaning they have the capacity to give a huge amount […]
New roadmap produced to help doctors become medical cannabis prescribers
Last week, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society published a ‘roadmap’ for doctors who want to become medical cannabis prescribers to support patients living with chronic health conditions. The Society’s expert committee has brought together information from the government, the NHS, NICE, Royal Colleges, licensed producers of medical cannabis products and training providers into one place […]