The results of multicenter study of Rebif 22 mug in Russia have been reported. 167 multiple sclerosis patients have received Rebif 22 mug three times a week for 1 year. This study provides evidence for reduction of the relapse rate in patients with relapsing/remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The tendency to the decrease of the severity of relapses, less need for steroid use and the decrease of EDSS score in patients with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis have been shown. in general Rebif 22 mug was tolerated well.

Results of the 2-year open postregistration study of Copaxone (glatiramer acetate), conducted in 3 Moscow leading medical centres are given. 32 MS patients with remitting-relapsing MS were investigated in accordance with international requirements (neurological scales, MRI of the brain, multimodal evoked potential). Significant reduction of annual relapse rate for 70.3%, stabilization of neurological status and benign safety profile were demonstrated during Copaxone treatment. Practical recommendations for Copaxone use are given.

Leucine aminopeptidase of myelin was discovered to contain a protein subunit possessing, in contrast to the main enzymatic mass, antigenic properties and contained by different structures of the central nervous system. The protein was shown to be accumulated by neurons and astrocytes of embryonic tissue culture. The protein was absent from biological fluids of healthy persons and in schizophrenia but it was recordable in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with different forms of neurological pathology. In patients with neuronal degenerative diseases, the protein level in biological fluids in the terminal stages was significantly lower than in compensated patients.