British scientists say a new drug developed by Bayer AG and Genzyme appears
to stop the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in its early stages and restore
lost function to patients.

Paula Rankin reads over her diary of the symptoms of MS that at one point
made her think she was having a stroke.

After taking part in the trial of a drug that has long been used to treat
leukaemia, she's seen an improvement.

PAULA RANKIN, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENT SAYING:
"I feel so well now, and after having, after having the drug, I
haven't had any new symptoms."

The drug, made by Bayer and Genzyme under the brand name Campath appears to
stop the autoimmune disease in its early stages.

Professor Alastair Compston of Cambridge University, which carried out the
study, said the drug showed long-term improvement in people's disability.


PROFESSOR ALASTAIR COMPSTON, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
SAYING:
"Multiple Sclerosis has subtle effects on everyday activities,
running, walking, seeing, thinking, all of these things that you and I take
for granted and steadily, step by step, people who have had this treatment are
finding that those everyday activities are easier."

One of the most remarkable findings for researchers was that after three
years on the treatment, evidence showed patients brains were actually
repairing themselves.

However the drug only works for people with early stage MS and carries
risks of serious side effects.

MS sufferer Krystyna Howard is prepared to take those risks.

She's about to take part in a new trial.

KRYSTYNA HOWARD, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENT
SAYING:
"Given the fact that my last scan results show that my MS has
progressed, there is no telling how it would progress further, in the future,
if it was going to. So what this treatment brings me is the hope that it can
perhaps stabilise my future health."

The drug is about to go into the final stages of clinical trials and could
be legally available for treatment of MS in four years.

Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri, Reuters