The Program Services Department of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation actively investigates and makes available information on the latest research development involving the prevention, cause, treatment and eventual cure of multiple sclerosis. Recently, there have been significant developments that have attracted much attention. The following is a brief summary of a few innovative areas of research exploration. A natural form of interferon, Alpha Leukoferon tm was developed by Viragen, Inc., a Miami, Florida-based pharmaceutical laboratory.
Leukocytes are the primary effector cells against infection and tissue damage.
Under approved investigational protocols, Viragen, Inc. was granted a license by the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services to conduct an open-label trial in the State of Florida. The trial, which had been open only to Florida residents, is now closed to new applicants, and Viragen is preparing for clinical trials in the pursuit of FDA approval. At present, Viragen, Inc. has been working with the Scottish government on the construction of a manufacturing plant in Edinburgh. Studies indicated that in mild to moderate relapse-remitting MS the number of exacerbations were reduced by approximately one third when compared to the control group. The severity of exacerbations was also reduced.