Dr. Luanne Metz and V. Wee Yong of the University of Calgary co-authored a study showing that a common acne drug called minocycline delays the onset of multiple sclerosis for patients in the early stages of the disease. “It’s the first cheap drug available for treating very early MS (multiple sclerosis),” said Metz, who’s also a professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. The generic drug minocycline — brand name is Minocin — reduces inflammation and damage to the myelin. The researchers randomized study participants to receive 100 mg twice daily of the oral drug minocycline or a placebo. In Ontario eligible MS patients have their treatment covered through the public Ontario drug benefits program or private insurance.

Source: thestar May 31, 2017 22:07 UTC