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"Two new MS medications offer promise - and risks"


CTV.CA

Source: CTV.CA

Published: 21 Jan 2022

Category: Pharmaceutical

Rating: (4½ stars)

Keywords: ms multiple sclerosis central nervous system cladribine fingolimod

what they said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

Two new experimental multiple sclerosis medications appear to reduce relapses and deterioration in patients -- but both carry significant side effects that may discourage patients from using them.

MS is marked by the body's immune system attacking the central nervous system, leading to weakness and disability. Though there is no cure, steroids can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, and seven injectable medications, including ones using beta interferon, have shown success in reducing symptom relapses...

The original article can be found at: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100121/ms_100121/20100121?hub=Health&s_name=

how did it rate? (more information)

Criteria Rating
Total Score 9 of 10
Availability of Treatment Not Satisfactory (?)
Novelty of Treatment Satisfactory (?)
Disease Mongering Satisfactory (?)
Treatment Options Satisfactory (?)
Costs of Treatment Not Applicable
Evidence Satisfactory (?)
Quantification of Benefits of Treatment Satisfactory (?)
Harms of Treatment Satisfactory (?)
Sources of Information Satisfactory (?)
Relies on Press Release Satisfactory (?)
Quantification of Harms of Treatment Satisfactory (?)

what we said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

Overall this story is a good example of accurate reporting of articles appearing in the medical literature. It does not attempt to hype the new treatments and gives as much emphasis to the harms from the drugs as it does to the benefits.

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