he first Saskatchewan patient hoping to take part in a ground-breaking multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trial is heading to New York. 

Andrew Dahlen, 28, of Saskatoon will fly to Albany, N.Y. on Monday to determine if he can participate in the clinical trial on the effectiveness of Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency, or liberation therapy, in relieving the symptoms of MS. 

It’s the final step in determining whether he is eligible to take part in the trial. 

 “I’m excited to be one of the volunteers involved, and to contribute to this research process,” said Dahlen. 

“I believe this research will provide information that will help MS patients in the future.” 

Dahlen will spend several days at the Albany Medical Centre for a final assessment before being accepted. 

The province has committed 2.2-million dollars towards the research which will see half of the 86 participants have angioplasty to ease congestion in the veins with the other half getting a placebo treatment. 

The double-blind approach is a scientific method to ensure the integrity of the results. 

MS impairs or destroys the functioning of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. 

An estimated 3,500 people in the province suffer from MS, one of the highest rates in the world.