SUMMARY
A blood test may be able to predict whether a person will develop active multiple sclerosis, according to a news release from Glycominds, an Israeli based company that is developing the test. Results of a study based on blood samples taken from 90 participants are also being presented by Dr. Mark Freedman, University of Ottawa and study principal investigator, at the late breaking news section of a major multiple sclerosis medical conference taking place in Greece.

DETAILS
Dr. Mark Freedman, University of Ottawa, led the study of the blood test which was designed to predict whether a person with MS will go on to develop an active form of MS, following a neurological event that might indicate MS. The study was known as PRACTIMS (Prognosis and Response of Anti-Carbohydrate Titer in MS.) Retrospective blood samples were taken from 90 people who had an initial attack that might indicate MS. The test, based on certain indicators in the blood, was able to predict the 36 percent of people who went on to have additional attacks over the next two years, according to the Glycominds. The biomarker is based on serum levels of anti-glycan antibodies as a predictor of future disease activity.

“This is potentially a very exciting development,” pointed out
Dr. William McIlroy, MS Society of Canada national medical advisor. “Being able to predict which patients will develop a more active form of the disease after the first neurological event has important implications for treatment particularly in view of the cost of the drugs that are currently available.”

Dr. McIlroy cautioned that current results are based on a study of just 90 people but the initial observations appear to be highly promising. He welcomed the company’s announcement that it will be validating externally the reported results on thousands of blood samples. Glycominds officials say they hope to bring the product to market in 2006.

ASK MS Information System Code: 1.3.f

Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.