Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada to invite research operating grant proposals related to CCSVI and MS

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada announced it will request research operating grants related to chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS.

A recent study released by Dr. Paulo Zamboni, University of Ferrara, Italy, describes CCSVI as a disruption of blood flow in which the venous system is not able to efficiently remove blood from the central nervous system resulting in increased pressure in the veins of the brain and spinal cord which in turn results in damage to these areas.

"These early results are encouraging and show that this warrants more study," said Yves Savoie, MS Society President and CEO. "This is truly a new avenue to explore in MS research, and we want to be a part of furthering this investigation."

The MS Society of Canada will issue an invitation for research operating grant proposals on CCSVI related to multiple sclerosis from qualified investigators based in Canadian institutions. Proposals will be evaluated for their scientific merit and relevance to the field of MS.

The competition will open on December. 9, 2009, and the deadline for applications will be January 22, 2010.

"There has been tremendous interest and excitement about this study from people with MS, supporters, volunteers and staff across the country. While we acknowledge that the concept of CCSVI as a cause of MS needs to be replicated and validated in larger well-designed studies, the Society looks forward to contributing to this body of work," said Savoie."

While excited about the potential of the CCSVI study, the findings are preliminary. Thus the MS Society advises that while further research is underway people follow their physician's recommendations and continue their current course of therapies.

SOURCE Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada