MS News that Caught My Eye Last Week: Walking Med Trial Recruiting, DMT Risk Tolerance, Sex and MS

Phase 3 Trial of ADS-5102 Recruiting Participants of All MS Types

This medication is similar to Ampyra (dalfampridine) because its goal is to improve walking in those with MS. It sure would be nice if we had another medication approved that could do that. Though this trial began recruiting a year ago, it’s still accepting applicants at sites in the U.S.

A Phase 3 trial testing ADS-5102 (amantadine) extended-release capsules in all types of multiple sclerosis (MS) is enrolling participants to determine whether the oral therapy can improve walking speed.

A total of 570 adults with MS, ages 18 to 70 years, who have difficulty walking will be recruited for the randomized trial (NCT03436199) at multiple sites across the U.S.

Click here to read the full story.

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Risk Tolerance for Therapies Linked to Age, Sex, and Disability

This is an interesting study that posed “what-if” type questions about a hypothetical treatment and its possible risks, ranging from thyroid problems to brain disease. The results weren’t surprising, at least not to me, but it was interesting to compare the findings to my own feelings about benefits versus risks.

Sex, age, disability level, and current disease-modifying therapy use are linked to how multiple sclerosis (MS) patients weigh the potential benefits and safety risks of treatments, new research from two teams funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society shows.

These studies shed light on how MS patients’ tolerance for risk influences their treatment decisions, which can help improve treatment satisfaction and adherence.

Click here to read the full story.

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Sex and Intimacy Is Focus of MSAA Webinar

Two “Cs” — cuddling and communication — were part of this discussion about sex and people with MS. Another “C” was the difficulty of being a sexual partner while also being a caregiver. You might want to read this story and then talk about it with your partner.

Sex and intimacy are good for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), just as they are for anyone without the disease. And while fear of talking with a partner about possible sexual challenges created by MS is perfectly normal, there is help available to deal with potential problems.

That’s according to Kimberly Castelo, a marriage and family therapist who has lived with MS for 12 years. Castelo, a wife and mother, was the featured expert in a March 12 online Q&A forum on relationships and MS sponsored by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA).

Click here to read the full story.

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Have you joined our MS Forums?

Some active discussions over the past few weeks have included:

• Need advice about CBD oil.
• When did you know something was wrong? What was your first symptom?
• What inspires you?
• Oral therapy for MS pain, spasticity goal of new medical cannabis company.

You’re invited to click on a link and join in the discussion.

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Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.