More MS news articles for Nov 2001

Melbourne scientists make MS breakthrough

Mon, Nov 26 2001 9:46 AM AEDT

Scientists from Melbourne's LaTrobe University have made a significant breakthough in the fight against multiple sclerosis.

Professor Claude Bernard says his team has devised new screening technology that can quickly analyse up to 20,000 genes.

Using this technology they have identified a protein that appears to trigger the debilitating auto-immune disease.

Professor Bernard says the research still has a long way to go, but it is a big step in terms of understanding and treating MS.

"Keep it again in mind that there is indeed a genetic component in the development of multiple sclerosis," he said.

"It could be very important either in term of potential diagnosis and or perhaps in term the development of a therapeutic approach for the disease."