Press Release 

 
What is everyone's thoughts after today's announcement made in Alberta this morning?

This is the Official Press Release on what was announced incase there is any confusion what was exactly said.

Regards,

Michelle Walsh

December 16, 2010
Alberta commits to study MS treatment

Edmonton... The Alberta government will fund an observational study on the safety and effects of venous procedures, including the ‘Zamboni Treatment’, for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The government is also committing to fund clinical trials if and when it is safe and ethical to proceed.

“In my discussions with MS patients and advocates, researchers, neurologists and other medical experts, we agreed that an observational study would be very helpful,” said Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky. “Our government is committed to help build the body of evidence that will provide a clear indication, one way or the other, about the safety and effectiveness of this new treatment. This study is an important step in that process.” 

Media inquiries may be directed to:

The following document has been posted to the Government of Alberta website to view this document online and/or additional information/backgrounderhttp://www.alberta.ca//acn/201012/29688F01DDE29-0DD7-1BF7-C08FCC884BD11EA0.html 

Visit the Government of Alberta newsroom http://newsroom.alberta.ca.

The Alberta government will provide up to $1 million for the observational study, to be conducted by researchers from the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and other experts. The government has also committed to fund future clinical trials pending the results of the observational study, other research that is already underway, confirmation that the procedure has been deemed safe, and receipt of ethics approval.

“This study is a response to the remarkable interest amongst MS patients in the new MS treatment proposed by Dr. Zamboni,” said Dr. Tom Feasby, Dean of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine. “It will help us understand the experiences of MS patients having this intervention, including any complications.”

The goal of the observational study is to determine the safety and patient-reported impact of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment procedures. The information will be used to determine whether to move forward with future clinical trials and to determine the followup care needs of Albertans who have received treatment for CCSVI. The venous procedures are not approved for use in Canada.  

The three-year observational study will begin in spring 2011. Albertans who have received treatment for CCSVI in another country, those who are scheduled to receive it and other Albertans with MS will be eligible to participate.      

In conjunction with the study, a secure MS research website and database will be developed where Albertans can volunteer and consent to participate in the study, as well as report on treatment they have received.  

Becoming the Best: Alberta’s 5-Year Health Action Plan, was announced on Nov. 30, and provides Albertans with clear direction on what they can expect from their health care system over the next 5 years.  A copy of the plan is available at www.health.alberta.ca.