Health Minister Don McMorris announced today that Saskatchewan is finalizing a partnership with U.S researchers and is prepared to fund the participation of Saskatchewan patients in a multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trial in Albany, New York. The province is working with a research team led by Dr. Gary Siskin, a vascular and interventional radiologist at Albany Medical Centre.
"Patients need answers as soon as possible about the efficacy of the Liberation Therapy as a treatment for MS," McMorris said. "We owe it to them to explore every opportunity to advance MS research and find answers about this treatment. This clinical study will enable Saskatchewan patients to be involved quite quickly in a controlled, reputable research process."
"Our research team is very excited about this partnership," Dr. Siskin said. "We welcome the opportunity to involve Saskatchewan patients in our efforts to gather reliable data that can help determine whether angioplasty effectively relieves MS symptoms."
Once the partnership is finalized, Saskatchewan MS patients will be advised how and when they can apply to participate. It is anticipated that between 80 and 90 Saskatchewan MS patients would be involved in the clinical trial. The province is setting aside approximately $2 million to cover costs and patient expenses.
The MS Society of Canada Government Relation Chair and Member of the Board Eugene Paquin issued the following statement after the announcement: "We are encouraged by the continuing support by the provincial government for MS research activities and we look forward to positive developments from clinical trials regarding venous angioplasty. As always, our first concern is that people living with MS have options when it comes to treating and managing their MS."
