Data presented showed patients who had undergone treatment since early diagnosis are living longer, healthier lives than patients who waited until the disease progressed further.¹

Speaking at the symposium, international MS expert Dr. Thomas Leist, Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Centre at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, said: “There is a relatively small window of opportunity to slow multiple sclerosis with lost body function generally impossible to regain. Large clinical studies of MS patients have shown benefits of starting treatment early and long term studies have shown the sustained benefits of staying on treatment.”

MS Australia has welcomed all the accumulating research that highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to slow multiple sclerosis progression, particularly as the condition is generally diagnosed in people in their 20s or early 30s.²

The Chair of MS Australia Research Committees, Professor Bill Carroll, said: “Many patients may understandably wish to defer starting treatment because they feel well, not realising that multiple sclerosis is still causing them silent but irreversible damage. This symposium has again highlighted the importance of early treatment to delay disease progression and later disability.”

Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong degenerative condition affecting all aspects of life for individuals and families.

Professor Bill Carroll continued: “Maintaining employment, financial security and family matters, managing the high costs of multiple sclerosis over a person’s productive lifetime and navigating the fragmented health and community support systems are all features of life with a progressive illness.^”

There are over 18,000 people with multiple sclerosis in Australia, with 75 per cent female.³ 80 percent of people with MS lose their job within 10 years of diagnosis.³

“Early treatment can in most instances reduce multiple sclerosis progression and minimise associated disability, helping patients stay in the workforce longer, remain in the family home and continue being an active member of the community,^” Professor Bill Carroll said.

ENDS

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Adrian Dolahenty on (02) 9391 6277 or (0438) 656 175 or adrian.dolahenty@bayerhealthcare.com

References

1.       Presentation: Thomas Leist MD (2010)

2.       MS Australia (2008) Press release: TV advertisement shows the social impact of Multiple Sclerosis

3.       MS Australia (2009) Policy Issues Statement 2010 – 2011