'Multiple Sclerosis Ireland welcomes progress in stem cell treatment for people with MS, as news of success in the UK with Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) (sometimes referred to as HSCT), for some people with MS, brings new hope in this area. According to our colleagues in the MS Society UK, a number of clinical trials have shown AHSCT can reduce relapses and stabilise or improve disability in people with RRMS. An international clinical trial of AHSCT, called the MIST trial, is currently ongoing with a centre in the UK participating. The UK MS Society points out that 'we need more studies to understand the long term effects of AHSCT. So far, the longest follow up study to date revisited people who had received the transplant an average of 6.6 years later.'
MS Ireland represents more than 9,000 people with MS in Ireland, providing vital services, information, advocacy and support. Our work on Access to Medicines is hugely important in advance of new medicines or treatments for MS, ensuring that people with MS in Ireland access the medicines they need to treat their condition and impact debilitating symptoms including impaired mobility, severe fatigue and cognitive difficulties.
Further information on the research is available through the MS Society in the UK