Anti-interferon Beta Antibodies in MS Care: A Consensus

*** ATTENTION SCIENCE WRITERS ATTENDING THE NASW CONFERENCE ***

LUNCH WORKSHOP AT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE (AAAS) ANNUAL MEETING

WHAT:

An educational lunch workshop, "Anti-interferon Beta Antibodies in MS Care: A Consensus," featuring world-renowned neurology experts who will explore the issue of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). The discussion will focus on:

Challenges in multiple sclerosis care and research

The model of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) in meeting these challenges

Previous consensus conferences utilizing this model

The issue of anti-interferon beta antibodies in multiple sclerosis

Overview of additional therapeutic categories impacted by NAbs (anemia, diabetes, growth hormone deficiency)

NAbs in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: global consensus development

WHY:

The advent of biologics (protein-based medications) has benefited countless patients with chronic diseases – including cancer, anemia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis.

However, there has been an unexpected consequence: the development of NAbs, in which the body perceives protein-based therapies to be foreign and mounts an immune response against them. As treatment with biologics increases, the hot debate continues about whether NAbs are just innocent immunological bystanders or a natural defense mechanism that diminishes the efficacy of biologic therapies. Professionals need expert synthesis and consensus.

This program will outline in workshop style how a consensus was developed by the CMSC, the leading professional association in multiple sclerosis care.

WHO:

Frederick Munschauer, MD, Chair, Department of Neurology, SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine and Chief, The Jacobs Neurological Institute, Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, New York; Secretary of the Board of Governors, CMSC, and the Co-Chair of the CMSC Cooperative Studies Group in Multiple Sclerosis

Andrew R. Pachner, MD, Professor of Neurology and Neurosciences, Department of Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey

WHEN:

Saturday, February 14, 2004
12–1:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Convention Center Exhibit Hall 4C, Workshop Room D
Washington State Convention & Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA

CONTACT:

Cindy Gessell 201-652-4778 or Amy Losak 646-935-3917

This workshop is sponsored by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC)

Source: Eurekalert & others

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

 

 

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