MS therapy clinical trials get federal OK

[CHIMO]

There is now enough evidence to proceed with clinical trials for the controversial vein-opening therapy for multiple sclerosis known as the Zamboni procedure, the federal government says.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced Ottawa's support for launching pan-Canadian trials Wednesday afternoon in the foyer of the House of Commons. Earlier in the day, she received a recommendation to give trials the green light from the MS working group assembled by the federal government last year.

The panel has been monitoring and reviewing evidence on Dr. Paolo Zamboni's theory that there is an association between MS and vein blockages, a condition known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). The Italian doctor spearheaded a movement to use angioplasty to open veins and sometimes insert stents to improve blood flow to the brain.

At the last meeting of the expert group in November, members determined there wasn't enough evidence to warrant clinical trials. It met again Tuesday, and, "the evidence is now here," the health minister said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/06/29/pol-aglukkaq-ms.html