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the culprit protein. Then, they
synthesized a molecule that
looked like it, acted like it — but
lacked its harmful. properties.
The Weizmann team hoped
their imposter, COP-1, would fool
the immune system into reacting
with it, rather than molecules in
the body's myelin sheaths. This
`Take out" would essentially block
the immune system's attack on
the myelin, thus preventing le-
sions and subsequent nerve
damage.
COP-1 seemed to work, much
to the relief of researchers, like
Professor Arnon, and patients,
like Southfield's Dr. Oster.
Decades of tests in the United
States and Israel seemed to con-
firm their hypotheses.
ultiple sclerosis patients
are typically between 20
and 40 when they expe-
rience their first attack.
More than half its victims are
women. Populations in colder cli-
mates have a higher incidence
rate of the disease, although doc-
tors aren't sure why.
They also can't seem to pin-
point the reason MS progresses
rapidly in some individuals, more
slowly in others. The disease usu-
ally does not result in mental dis-
abilities, although, in late stages,
it might.
Mild cases of MS have been
treated with cortisone pills, which
are steroid hormones, Professor
Arnon says. Patients with more
severe conditions often take cy-
totoxic drugs, which kill cells of
the immune system, thus sup-
pressing it.
Both medical strategies have
drawbacks. Cortisone is known
to cause weight gain, acne and
other problems. The latter treat-
ment makes patients vulnerable
to infectious disease.
Professor Arnon believes she
and her team of Weizmann re-
searchers — along with the late
Dr. Murray Bornstein from Al-
bert Einstein Medical Center in
New York — have produced a
safer, more effective alternative.
They say that more than two
decades of studies in Israel and
the United States unequivocally
demonstrate that COP-1 has no
harmful side effects, outside of
occasional redness and irritation
at the site of injections, which
take place once a day.
Dr. Oster from Southfield
started taking COP-1 almost 15
years ago, during a clinical trial.
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The results speak for themselves,
he says:
"The disease has not pro-
gressed. If anything, I've become
stronger".
Now COP-1 awaits approval
from the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, likely to publi-
cize its verdict before year's end.
Professor Arnon hopes that Is-
raeli government officials will
point thumbs up shortly there-
after. The drug has been sub-
mitted for approval in Canada
and Europe, as well.
Pending approval, the drug
will be manufactured and dis-
tributed under the trademarked
name "Copaxone" by the Israeli
pharmaceutical company Teva.
Dr. Oster, who has received
permission to stay on COP-1 past
its experimental phase, now
hopes other MS patients will gain
access to his source of relief.
"I hope," he says 'that FDA ap-
proval will come really soon so
more people can take advantage
of the drug."
❑
Professor Ruth Arnon:
Leading Israeli
researcher.
In Recognition of the 3000th Anniversary
of Jerusalem as the Capital of the Jewish People,
The Adult Study Commission of Adat Shalom Synagogue
is proud to bring to the Synagogue and the Community
t City of Gold
3000
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1996
8 P.M.
presenting an unforgettable panorama of a city through the
many traditional, folk and popular songs written in her honor
Starring three virtuosos of Israeli song
DOV KEREN SANDRA BEN-DOR RAPHAEL FRIEDER
with musical director RONN YEDIDIA
with a special opening performance by the Adat Shalom Youth Choir
There is no charge.
Tickets may be obtained at Adat Shalom,
29901 Middlebelt, Farmington Hills.
served basis. Limit six per family.
come,
first
They will be distributed on a first
For further information, please call the Synagogue office, 851 5100.
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