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The four CRAB drugs reduce, on average, relapses by 30%.

However, it is now recognised that damage to axons is the real problem leading to permanent disability. In addition to treatments that reduce relapses, neuro-protective agents are required to protect axons.

This research suggests that Copaxone also has a neuro-protective effect. Some time ago I posted a video featuring Dr Gavin Giovannoni of the Institute of Neurology in London. He ran through the CRAB drugs but also suggested that there was a possible neuro-proective effect with Copaxone.

Copaxone with minocycline is currently being trialled so it will be interesting to see the results as minocycline was thought to have a neuro-protective effect as well as to dampen the immune system.

http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?j423419437&w=464753

Thanks for the info Bromley. I currently take copaxone but have read conflicting studies on its efficacy (Cochrane report, Moscow MS Center, etc.). Is there a consensus "bottom-line" on this drug? I've seen reports that it reduces relapses by as much as 70%, but of course participants in the study who discontinued copaxone were not included in the tally. I've also seen reports, such at the Cochrane study, that question whether copaxone does anything at all. I'm not about to stop taking C, but would like some clear irrefutable scientific data that the stuff is actually working.

We are like you Brownsfan. Sort of iffy on effect. But bromley has really pushed the buttons as John and I spend all of our time trying to make his immune system strong and somewhere I missed the whole fact that copaxone suppresses it. Just as a note I humored John as my belief is to strengthen as I don't believe the immune system is over active but rather not functioning up to par. I will need to rethink and get over this total upset. Sometimes does any one here question the path.? I'm a sobbing mess right now sorry to share but God what if the path we choose is not right.???????????????????????????????

Melody,

Don't fret too much - staying healthy is the best approach and your husband is certainly getting lots of help from you. In all honesty, the so called experts haven't got a clue. The jury is still out as to whether the immune system is the cause of the problem (the auto-immune theory - the immune system attacks the myelin) or responding to a problem (the myelin and / or nerves (axons / neurones) are deteriorating and the immune system tries to help out). No one calls ALS or Parkinsons an auto-immune disease yet inflamation is involved and cell death occurs (and probably the immune system ets involved).

I've been in correspondence with one of the UK's top MS experts and even he admits that 'nobody knows what the triggering event in MS is; inflammation may still be very important in initiating the subsequent cascade that occurs in MS'. Future treatments must stop the cascade from happening. The regime your 'hubby' is following seems to be the best available at the moment - a DMD, Vit D, good diet etc etc.

Ian