One of the most important developments in the prevention of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a world first clinical trial set to take place in Australia and New Zealand.

One of the most important developments in the prevention of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a world first clinical trial set to take place in Australia and New Zealand.  It will test whether Vitamin D can prevent multiple sclerosis (MS) in those at risk of developing the disease.  Tasmania, with the highest incidence of MS in Australia, will play a key role in the trial.

The PrevANZ study was launched (today) in Hobart by Hon Julie Collins, the Federal Minister for Community Services, the Status of Women and Indigenous Employment and Economic Development.

The trial will focus on the possibility of using vitamin D supplementation to prevent a diagnosis of MS following a person's presentation with the first symptoms that may lead to a diagnosis of MS.  It will also test appropriate dosage levels and safety; information that may eventually lead to an effective prevention strategy for MS.

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Though the causes of the disease are unknown, a deficiency of Vitamin D (which is primarily synthesized in the skin by exposure to UV light) is now thought to play a major role in some patients. Three out of four people with MS are women who are usually diagnosed in their 20s and 30s.

Australian researchers, including Prof Bruce Taylor, of the Menzies Research Institute Tasmania and the Royal Hobart Hospital, have been pivotal in establishing the link between Vitamin D deficiency and MS.

"I'm very pleased to be launching this groundbreaking international clinical trial here in Tasmania," Minister Collins said.

"It is great that Tasmanian patients will not only contribute to this research, but could also be among the first to benefit from its results.

"Our state has the highest incidence of MS in the nation, but thanks to Australian research we may be able to beat this debilitating disease.

"I want to congratulate MS Research Australia on their outstanding work and wish them the very best of luck with this very important trial.

"Many Tasmanians will know someone who suffers from MS, and will understand how debilitating the illness can be."

This vitamin D MS prevention trial, known as PrevANZ, is being funded by MS Research Australia (MSRA), through the support of Australian state-based MS societies, especially from Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. 

While $2.5 million has been secured to commence the trial, and significant funding has been provided by the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation in its appointment of Prof Taylor as a Research Fellow, a further $1 million is needed to extend the sample size and achieve a robust and conclusive answer.
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"This is a gold-standard, placebo controlled trial," said Professor Bruce Taylor, Senior Member at Menzies and member of the PrevANZ steering committee.

"This is the first trial of its kind in the world, to see whether oral Vitamin D supplementation can benefit people who may be in the earliest stages of MS - Australia has a very real opportunity here to help reduce the impact of MS around the world ."

Trial subjects will be recruited solely through neurologists.  People already diagnosed with MS who are concerned about their vitamin D status should discuss this with their GP or neurologist.

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