REGINA - Multiple sclerosis patients in Saskatchewan can apply to take part in a clinical trial of a treatment that has been touted as a potential therapy.
Premier Brad Wall says a New York state doctor is in the final stages of getting U.S. federal approval for what's believed to be the largest liberation therapy trial of its type.
The premier heralded the move as a breakthrough as provinces across the country consider how to proceed with testing the controversial therapy.
"Today is a good day, because Saskatchewan again will step out in leadership in the country with our high instances of MS and we are going to move forward," Wall said.
The province is providing $2.2 million so 86 MS patients can be included in the two-year, double-blind trial at the Albany Medical Center. The double-blind aspect of the study means only half of the patients will actually receive the treatment.
Wall cited the program as a tangible example of how the economic growth Saskatchewan is experiencing can help citizens.
"We don't pursue growth for growth itself. We don't pursue it because we like to talk about the gross domestic product," he said. "We pursue growth so we can make investments in quality of life, so that we can hopefully improve health care, so that we can advance the cause of better and more efficacious treatment and care in the province."
Applicants have until Feb. 24 to apply either through the government's website or a toll-free line.
The province says those selected will be contacted and the first patients can expect to travel to Albany in March.
"We know that there will be some applicants that will be disappointed, but I can assure you that all will be given an equal chance," Health Minister Don McMorris said.
The therapy involves opening up blocked neck veins, but the idea that the condition might be linked to the progressive neurological disease has divided the medical community.
The procedure is not currently offered in Canada and some patients have travelled around the world to seek it out.
Some have reported substantial improvements in their symptoms. But studies have raised doubts about its effectiveness and questioned the benefits when weighed against the risks of complications from the operation.
