CCSVI Australia received confirmation today that the trial will now commence.  We are thrilled! This study was originally submitted for approval two years ago and received hospital ethics approval in April this year - it has felt like a very long wait indeed.

Details of the trial can be found here: http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?ID=362107

Important information for those registered:

Please do not contact the Alfred to ask when you will be required.  The trial coordinators will start calling people for screening and the procedure in the order that they are registered on their list.  The maximum number of screenings and cases they can do per week is 6 therefore it will take some time to get through the enrolments.  Congratulations to all and thank you for your willingness to participate.

Regarding funding.  MS Australia have advised that MS Research Australia have ratified the trial submission and agreed that it has scientific merit.  As a result they have released the funds being held in trust of $88,000 as well as two years interest.  The total contribution totals $95,734.    It is with great disappointment that we advise that MS Research Australia, upon completion of their expedited review, have chosen not to support the trial financially. 

A further $335,000 will need to be raised in order to complete the trial.  Data collected during the course of the trial will be used for future funding applications by The Alfred.  In addition, CCSVI Australia are committed to seeking every possible opportunity to see these funds raised on behalf of every member of this page, every person who has signed our petition and every person with Multiple Sclerosis and/or CCSVI who may in the future benefit from this research.  We ask that you support us in these efforts.

Should you wish to contribute personally, tax deductible donations can be made directly to the Alfred Foundation here: https://secure.donman.net.au/client/alfred/alfred.asp

Please select `Radiology Department.'

Huge thanks to Professor Ken Thomson, Research Director Helen Kavnoudias and their team for their steadfast support over the past two and a half years.

It is time to celebrate and we should do so.

Kerri

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