Health Care Blog

May 1st, 2006 A Scottish man (Mark Westwell, 45), with multiple sclerosis (MS) claims to be pain-free for the first time in 12 years after a controversial stem-cell procedure in a Co Cork clinic, which is at the centre of an investigation. Mark received the treatment pioneered by a Swiss biotechnology company, Advanced Cell Therapeutics, earlier this month.

April 11th, 2006 A paralyzed Virginia woman traveled half way around the world for a stem-cell transplant in hopes of walking again. Immediately after the stem-cell surgery in South Korea, Michelle had feeling in her legs and a week later could move her feet.

August 17th, 2009 Novartis says FDA approves interferon drug for MSNEW YORK — Novartis AG said Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its drug Extavia, a form of interferon intended to treat multiple sclerosis.

March 11th, 2006 The Senate bill goes next week to two House committees, where it could be amended. If neither chamber approves the other’s bill, a conference committee could work to mesh the proposals.

April 26th, 2006 Stemcell study in curing heart disease will be officially started in Thailand according to a report in the Bangkok Post. Some forty patients will be tested over two months — with 20 receiving stem cells transplanted into their hearts and the rest given normal medical treatment — to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

August 13th, 2009 TORONTO - Canadian researchers have successfully reversed multiple sclerosis in rodents, spelling hope for humans. Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune disease in which the body's own immune response attacks the central nervous system, leading to progressive physical and mental deterioration.

March 7th, 2006 NTUC Income of Singapore has cut an exclusive deal with CordLife, a regional private cord blood bank, to help patients defray costs related to the stem cell transplants, which can treat about 75 diseases, including most forms of leukaemia. It is for the first time stem cell insurance is available anywhere in the world.

May 22nd, 2006 Stem cell transplantations are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and considered controversial in the United States - but not in Mexico. And stem cell transplant is the only hope for millions of patients with deadly and debilitating diseases.