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Fast Forward, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Axxam SpA Join Forces to Accelerate Development of Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 Diabetes

Jan 19, 2010

Patient Advocacy Partners Forge Collaboration to Fund Discovery of New Drugs
that Target the Immune System
New York, USA and Milan, Italy, January 19, 2010 – Fast Forward, LLC, the commercial drug development arm of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the leader in research leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes in the world today announced a collaborative partnership with Axxam SpA – a leading company in conducting early-stage discovery research programs for the life science industry, to develop new treatments for two autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Under the terms of the agreement, Axxam will screen its extensive chemical library to identify compounds that can target specific ion channels in the immune system. Ion channels are tiny pores on the surface of immune cells that control the influx of charged particles and allow the cells to become activated to perform their natural surveillance and protection functions. Recent studies have found that immune cells in MS and T1D contain high levels of a specific ion channel, Kv1.3, and that the hyperactivity of this channel contributes to the dysfunction of the immune system in MS and T1D. If the initial research is successful, Axxam will have identified compounds that modulate Kv1.3 ion channel activities, and these will be further developed by the company as potential therapies for MS and T1D.

The agreement with Axxam is the first of its kind between cross-disciplinary patient advocacy organizations and represents a new frontier in which groups such as JDRF and Fast Forward ally to lessen the risk of drug discovery and accelerate the development of new therapies that can impact multi-disorders. “We are pleased to partner with Axxam and JDRF to advance the development of new treatments for T1D and MS,” said Dr. Timothy Coetzee, President of Fast Forward. Adds Dr. Coetzee “People with MS and T1D need more treatment options and the approach taken by Axxam holds great promise for both diseases.”

“Our partnership with Fast Forward and Axxam opens exciting new avenues for JDRF to speed the translation of basic research into drugs and treatments for type 1 diabetes,” said Alan J. Lewis, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of JDRF. “Research into the Kv1.3 ion channel has the potential to negate the autoimmune process causing type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, which must be addressed to cure these diseases.”

“It’s rewarding for Axxam to be working with two world class non-profits dedicated to speeding new therapies to their constituencies,” said Dr. Stefan Lohmer, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Axxam. “This collaboration recognizes the quality of our research in the challenging ion channels field and we hope to be on the cusp for developing potential new therapies for both type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.”
About JDRF
JDRF is the worldwide leader for research to cure type 1 diabetes. It sets the global agenda for diabetes research, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide.

The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump – each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.4 billion to diabetes research, including $101 million in FY2009. In FY2009, JDRF funded research projects in 22 countries throughout the world, including more than 40 human clinical trials.

About Fast Forward, LLC
Fast Forward, LLC is the commercial drug development arm of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society established to accelerate the progress of treatments for MS. Fast Forward will accomplish its mission by connecting university-based MS research with private-sector drug development and by funding small biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative new MS therapies and repurpose FDA-approved drugs as new treatments for MS. For more information, please visit http://www.fastforward.org.

About Axxam SpA
Axxam is a discovery company focused on research programs for different applications in the life science industry. They are a privately owned biotech firm based at the San Raffaele Biomedical Science Park in Milan (Italy), with a team of about 60 highly skilled qualified people. Axxam began operations as an independent and privately-owned company in November 2001, but its roots are built upon years of experience as part of the Bayer HealthCare, Research and Development organization. The company performs a wide range of activities including assay development, high-throughput screening, compound profiling and hits to leads testing. In addition, Axxam conducts several discovery programs for selected targets which are carried out in partnership with other companies or non-profit organizations. For more information, please visit http://www.axxam.com.

MS Trial Alert: Investigators in Ohio Recruiting 24 People for Study of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation

 

Summary: Investigators in Ohio are recruiting 24 people with relapsing forms of MS for a study of the safety and tolerability of transplanting one’s own mesenchymal stem cells (derived from bone marrow). The study is being conducted at Cleveland Clinic Mellen MS Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, and the National Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, all in Cleveland. This study is supported by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, a program funded through the Defense Department, thanks in large part to the tireless work of MS activists across the country who helped to secure the funding. Please note: This study involves numerous visits to the study site. 

Rationale: There are many types of stem cells, and varying degrees of research and knowledge about different types of stem cells and their potential usefulness for treating MS. At present, there has been no proven therapy for MS that uses stem cells. Read more about stem cells in MS.

One type of procedure that has been explored for several years in MS is called “autologous hematopoietic (blood cell-producing) stem cell transplantation.” This procedure has been used in attempts to “reboot” the immune system. These stem cells (derived from the bone marrow or blood) are stored, and the rest of the individual’s immune cells are destroyed by chemotherapy or radiation or both. Then the stored stem cells are reintroduced by injection. Eventually they grow and repopulate the body with immune cells. The hope of that as yet experimental procedure is that the new immune cells will no longer attack myelin or other brain tissue, so that the person has perhaps a completely new immune system.

Another line of stem cell research in MS relates to efforts to repair nervous system damage. This research is in its infancy, and there is no evidence yet that any types of stem cells can reverse MS damage or restore function. There are a few known research studies being conducted by researchers who are attempting in a controlled fashion to safely test the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to treat MS damage.

Mesenchymal stem cells, which are present in many tissues of the body, potentially have the ability both to treat immune disorders and promote tissue repair. This phase I clinical trial in Cleveland is testing the ability of an individual’s own mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the bone marrow to both inhibit immune mechanisms and to augment intrinsic tissue repair processes in people with relapsing forms of MS. Unlike previous bone marrow transplant studies, in this study the person’s immune cells are not destroyed before the stem cells are infused.

Eligibility and Details: Participants should be ages 18 to 55, and have a diagnosis of relapsing MS, with active disease during the previous 24 months. This study involves numerous criteria for including or excluding participants. Further details can be obtained from http://clinicaltrials.gov (search for study# NCT00813969) or the contacts below.

The treatment involves a single intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells that have been previously removed from the participant’s bone marrow and expanded in the laboratory. The study involves several safety assessments, blood tests, neurologic assessments, MRI scans and others tests over six months.

The primary goal of the study is to determine the feasibility, safety and tolerability of the procedure. Secondary goals include assessing the effects on MS disease activity and severity, as measured by clinical, MRI, and other testing.

 Contact: To learn more about the enrollment criteria for this study, and to find out if you are eligible to participate, please contact:

 Sarah Planchon Pope, PhD
Program Manager
planchs@ccf.org
216-636-1232

 OR

 Cynthia Schwanger, RN, MSCN, CCRP
Research Nurse
schwanc@ccf.org
216-445-5788

Download a brochure that discusses issues to think about when considering enrolling in an MS clinical trial (PDF).

$4.5 Million Appropriated to Continue Established MS Research Program

We are pleased to announce that $4.5 million has been appropriated within the FY 2010 Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) for multiple sclerosis research. This program is funded through the Defense Department at the direction of Congress and was signed today by the President. This latest appropriation is a continuation of the MS program that was founded in FY 2009.

“This continued opportunity is of great benefit to not only our nation’s 28,000 veterans living with MS, but to everyone and every family touched by the disease,” said Joyce Nelson, National MS Society’s President and CEO. “Emerging evidence has shown that combat veterans could be at an increased risk of developing MS. This important ongoing research being conducted under the CDMRP could help us move one step closer to better treatments and a better understanding of the disease.”

Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO-3) and Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) have been strong advocates in this effort and have led a multi-Member letter of support for the appropriations request, garnering the signatures of more than 100 Members of Congress. “We owe it to the brave Gulf War veterans who have proudly served their nation to look into the causes of the higher rate of MS appearing in this population and to research possible cures,” said Congressman Russ Carnahan. “By shedding more light on the causes and treatments for MS those with combat service related MS as well as all others with the disease are given hope for a future cure.” Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. continued, “Multiple sclerosis is a cruel disease, and one of the great unsolved mysteries of our day. As a medical doctor and a Member of Congress, I am proud to support work to research and help find cures and treatments for MS and other health care challenges that Americans, including our nation’s veterans, face.”

Beginning in 2006, MS activists went door to door and engaged online tools to collect more than 100,000 signatures supporting a research program for MS within the CDMRP. Building on this impetus, Society Chapters with their MS activists and our Federal Advocacy team in Washington, DC participated in hundreds of congressional meetings on the Hill and in home states. They took the case to the media, to town hall forums and testified before Congress. In addition, MS clinicians and people living with MS served on an Integration Panel, which helped to prioritize the MS research areas within the FY 2009 program. The first round of applications for 2010 that will be funded are expected to be announced this spring. “The tireless work of the thousands of MS activists who advocated across the country for these continued appropriations is a vivid example of the power that each of us have in working to create a world free of MS,” said David Chatel, National MS Society Executive Vice President, Advocacy.

Other allies who helped petition Congress for this new MS research funding included the American Academy of Neurology, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, United Spinal, AMVETS, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Disabled American Veterans.

Learn more about the National MS Society’s Government Affairs and Advocacy efforts.

Introducing Mark Scheerer, Programs Director

I am the Chapter Programs and Services Director; and have been with the chapter since 1993.  When I started with the chapter back in ’93 the first drug to actually treat MS had just been released and there was a lottery to determine who received the drug since there was a limited supply at that time.  That seems like a long time ago!  Over the years there have been so many changes in treating MS and it’s great to work for an organization that has helped spearhead many of the changes.

My experiences with the chapter have been both good as well as challenging.  I’ve been lucky to meet people who I consider my friends – both people with MS and also my co-workers.  Our staff is a dynamic one and I’m convinced one of the best in the country at working together to put an end to multiple sclerosis.  Challenges have come as I’ve seen some of my friends become increasingly affected by MS which makes me work even harder to contribute to the efforts of our chapter.  While I work directly with people living with MS, I also ride in our Bike MS: Tour to Tanglewood.  In this way I can share with other cyclists the ways their efforts are making a difference in the lives of over 2400 people living with MS in our chapter.

We are proud to announce that 107.5 WKZL and Rock 92 WKRR will be our new 2010 media sponsor for 25th Annual Bike MS: Tour to Tanglewood

November 12, (Triad, NC): The Central NC Chapter is proud to announce that 107.5 WKZL and Rock 92 WKRR will be our new 2010 media sponsor for 25^th Annual Bike MS: Tour to Tanglewood. Each station will have a team riding in the event and raising money. Mid-day DJ, Josie Paza, will be the team captain for 1075KZL and Ronie Alexander from the afternoon drive will be the team captain for Rock 92. Both stations will attend the Festival of Bikes kick off at the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood on January 5^th, training rides throughout the summer and ride in the event on September 25^th and 26^th. “We are so grateful and excited that 107.5 KZL and Rock 92 has joined us as our 2010 media sponsor”, says Stephanie Phipps, Marketing and PR Manager for the local chapter. “Together we can make a large impact in our community by raising awareness and valuable dollars towards creating a world free of MS.” The station’s sponsorship is valued at $51,650.

Bike MS is one of the Chapter’s two main charity events in addition to Walk MS. Raising over $1.12 million in 2008, this event is the Chapter’s largest fundraiser. 

Last year 1,700 cyclists participated in the event, both beginners and experienced riders.  The Chapter hopes to increase participation to 2,000 and donations this year to $1.2 million. 

All money raised during this event will be used by the Central North Carolina Chapter of the MS Society to help support families with MS and fund research to create a world free of MS.  For more information on the ride, call (336) 299-4136 or visit the website and register online at http://www.bikemsncc.org

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide.

About the Central NC Chapter
The Central North Carolina Chapter provides services and programs to nearly 2,400 people with MS and their families in fifteen North Carolina counties: Alamance, Alleghany, Ashe, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. Our mission is to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. We fund more MS research, provide more services to people with MS, offer more professional education and further more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. We are people who want to do something about MS now. Join the movement at nationalmssociety.org.

Introducing Bonnie Nevin of the Programs Department!

Hi, I’m Bonnie Nevin, one of the Programs and Services Managers for the chapter. I’ve worked for the National MS Society since July 2005 and my passion for serving people with MS has grown immensely during those four years. I began my work with no personal connection to multiple sclerosis but now I claim many people with MS as my friends and associates including one of my very closest friends.

In my role at the chapter, I coordinate and implement educational, wellness, research and family programs for people living with MS and their family. I thrive on organization so I really enjoy the planning part of my job. But my real love is putting the programs in action and meeting all of the great people that come to them.

My hope is that all of the people out there living with MS contact the National MS Society to find out all we have to offer. Whether it is a referral to a neurologist, a question about a symptom of MS or you want to find a self-help group in your area, we are here to help! My co-workers are all wonderful people and day in and day out, we are working toward one ultimate goal: to find a cure for MS but in the meantime to make sure that people with MS have the best quality of life possible!

Introducing Davishia Baldwin: Volunteer Coordinator

Davishia Baldwin joined the chapter in Feb. 2007 and serves as the Volunteer Coordinator. She enjoys being the volunteer coordinator because it allows her to meet new and exciting people as well as continue the long-term traditions of our office volunteers. She also loves having a job that makes a positive difference in the lives of others. Davishia is responsible for the recruitment and retention of all office, special event and specialized volunteers with the Central NC Chapter of the MS Society. She supervises volunteers in the office and at all fundraising events. She is also responsible for the recruitment of interns each semester for each department.

Outside of the chapter, she is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University. Mrs. Baldwin is married to Rev. Dr. Eric E. Baldwin, a local pastor in the city and they have two daughters Erica and Elisha. In her spare time she enjoys reading and teaching liturgical dance.

Hello world This is our first blog to engage the public in talking about MS and how it affects the lives of those living with MS. We want to start out by introducing the staff and letting you know what we do with the chapter and why we are so devoted to creating a world free of MS.

Hello world! This the Central NC Chapter’s of the National MS Society’s first blog to engage the public in talking about MS and how it affects the lives of those living with MS. We want to start out by introducing the staff and letting you know a little about what we do and what motivates us.

Stephanie Phipps

I am the Marketing Manager for the Central NC Chapter of the MS Society here in Greensboro. I will be writing some of these blogs along with other staff here at the chapter. I have been here for over 2 years and I LOVE my job and my coworkers. More importantly, I love that my job makes a difference in the lives of people living with MS. Our chapter does such a great job raising money through events such as Bike MS: Tour to Tanglewood and Walk MS. Part of the money we raise benefits local people living with MS with programs and services. The other part goes to our National office and funds research for treatments and a cure.

I have met so many inspirational people along my journey with the MS Society. So many people who have MS have turned having the disease into a positive in their lives and have taught me to live everyday to the fullest because we are not promised tomorrow.

We will have more to come about our staff as well as helpful information about MS, fundraising and how you can get involved and help create a world free of MS.

Tools ‹ NMSS Central NC Chapter's Blog — WordPress

Tools ‹ NMSS Central NC Chapter’s Blog — WordPress.