Pathogenesis and repair in multiple sclerosis

June 22 - 24, 2006 Cambridge, Massachusetts

• 2 Days, 20 Speakers, 100 learners, no commercial exhibitors, 13 Posters presented, 4 Prizes awarded for best research based on merit.
• Learner type: 46% Research Scientists, 35% Clinicians, 2% Educators, 17% Other
• Credit type: ACCME, ANCC, ACPE
• The National Multiple Sclerosis Society sponsored four poster-abstract awards.
• An international faculty of research leaders addressed topics including recent pathologic studies describing substantial axonal damage in the inflammatory lesions of MS and therapeutic targets based on the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration being tested in animal models of MS. The results of clinical trials combined with brain imaging and pathological studies were also discussedin connection withthe contribution of axonal degeneration to the pathogenesis of permanent neurological disability.
• 94% of learners reported that the content was free from commercial bias.
• 98% of learners reported that the content was scientifically rigorous.
• 96% of learners reported that they would recommend this program to a colleague.
• The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Young Investigator Award went to the Grand Prize Poster titled: “Histopathology of T2 hyperintensities and T1 hypointensities in MRIs of multiple sclerosis brains”
• Objectives of the course were to:
• Explain the role of neurodegeneration in producing permanent neurological disability in MS patients.
• Appreciate how genetics alter pathogenesis of MS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Understand current theories on how neurons and axons degenerate in MS patients.
• Monitor neurodegeneration in MS patients.
• Provide sound rationale for neuroprotective and repair therapies for MS patients.
• Selected learner comments included:

“Current information - considerable new data - good presentations by speakers.”

“Excellent review of current perspectives of MS.”

“Overall, an excellent group of speakers and lectures.”

“This was an excellent summary of latest research approaches to understanding and treating MS.”

“Cutting edge information.”

“Very professional conference - well organized and great location. Quality of substance was outstanding.”

“The program was excellent.”

“Very impressive speakers. Each complemented the other quite well.”

• Selected comments about the speakers included:

“Appreciate greatly the coordination of basic science and clinical practice.”

“Excellent presentation of excellent data on MS epidemiology.”

“Clear - balanced.”

“I don't yet believe it, but it was a compelling lecture. We're forced to account for the data.”

“Exciting new story.”

“Fascinating review.”

“Excellent - simple / original.”

“Outstanding imaginative and clear.”

“Excellent lecture with great insights”

“Outstanding depth and clarity.”

“Good talk - good handout.”

“Brilliant overview - eloquent and elegant"

BioSymposia, Inc. (formerly Serono Symposia International, Inc.), adheres to guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCCCA), the Accreditation Council for Pharmay Education (ACPE), and all other professional organizations as applicable, stating that programs where continuing education credits are awarded must be balanced, independent, objective, and scientifically rigorous.

As uses for pharmaceutical agents, medical devices, and other products may be presented in the program that are not necessarily the same as those indicated in approved product labeling (but which may reflect clinical experience, professional literature, other clinical sources known to the presenter, or investigational uses of products), we ask the presenter to provide participants with information about relationships with pharmaceutical or medical equipment companies that may have relevance to their lectures. This policy is not intended to exclude faculty who have relationships with such companies; it is simply intended to inform participants of any potential conflicts so that participants may form their own judgments based on full disclosure of the facts. Further, these opinions and recommendations presented during the program or materials related to the program do not imply an endorsement or recommendation on the part of BioSymposia, Inc. These presentations solely represent the independent views of the presenters/authors.

The following faculty provided information regarding significant commercial relationships and/or discussions of investigational or non-FDA approved (off-label) uses of drugs:

Brian G. Weinshenker, M.D. discloses a financial relationship within the past 12 months with Mayo Medical Laboratories, and employment with the Mayo Foundation. Dr. Weinshenker's presentation will include off-labeled or otherwise non-approved use of the following product: NMO-IgG, a commercial test to diagnose neuromyelitis optical and related disorders.

Jerry S. Wolinsky, M.D. discloses the following financial relationships within the past 12 months: consultant for Teva Pharmaceutical and consultant for Genentech.

The following faculty indicated no significant relationship with commercial supporters and/or discussion of investigational or non-FDA approved (off-label) uses of drugs:

Douglas L. Arnold, M.D.; Alberto Ascherio, M.D., Dr.P.H.; Christian Confavreux, M.D.; Robin J. M. Franklin, Ph.D.; John W. Griffin, M.D.; Stephen L. Hauser, M.D.; Paul M. Matthews, M.D., Ph.D.; Robert H. Miller, Ph.D.; Jorge R. Oksenberg, Ph.D.; David Reich, Ph.D.; Steven Scherer, M.D., Ph.D.; Kenneth J. Smith, Ph.D.; Lawrence Steinman, M.D.; Peter K. Stys, M.D., F.R.C.P.(C.); Bruce D. Trapp, Ph.D.; Stephen G. Waxman, M.D., Ph.D.; Howard L. Weiner, M.D.

Commercial Support and Other Disclosures

BioSymposia, Inc. (formerly Serono Symposia International, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All of our programs are organized solely to promote the exchange and dissemination of scientific and medical information. No forms of promotional activities are permitted. There may be presentations discussing investigational uses of various products. These views are the responsibility of the named speakers, and do not represent an endorsement or recommendation on the part of BioSymposia, Inc.

This program was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Serono, Inc.  BioSymposia, Inc. personnel are employees of Serono, Inc. and BioSymposia, Inc. also receives other in-kind support from Serono, Inc. in the form of space and administrative services.