Embryo bill decision offers hope to multiple sclerosis sufferers

May 19 2008

The MS Society welcomes the decision by MPs to allow scientists to use 'hybrid' human - animal embryos in research into conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Jayne Spink, Director of Policy and Research at the MS Society, said: "This really is a victory for common sense.

"Allowing scientists to further explore this avenue of research may prove to be hugely beneficial not just to the 85,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but to the hundreds of thousands of people living with debilitating, degenerative and life limiting conditions.

"The MS Society believes it is essential to keep all possible avenues of research open and supports the use of the best technology available to achieve its goals of finding effective treatments for people with MS."

• The MS Society (http://www.mssociety.org.uk) is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by MS, providing respite care, an award-winning freephone helpline (0808-800-8000), specialist MS nurses and funds around 40 vital MS research projects in the UK.
• Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological disorder affecting young adults and an estimated 85,000 people in the UK have MS.
• MS is the result of damage to myelin - the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system - which interferes with messages between the brain and the body.
• For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern.
• Symptoms range from loss of sight and mobility, fatigue, depression and cognitive problems. There is no cure and few effective treatments.

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/