There is a new drug approved by Health Canada for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. The drug known as ocrelizumab is the first drug to be approved by Health Canada to treat progressive MS.

Vice President of Medical Services in Southern Health-Sante Sud Dr Denis Fortier details the high incidence of MS in Canada.

"The prevalence of MS is certainly high in Canada and in prairie provinces." says Fortier "It is very clear in the northern hemisphere of the world that there is a higher prevalence for some reason, we don't quite understand that."

Multiple Sclerosis is thought to be an auto-immune disorder or at least have an auto-immune component. It causes certain white blood cells, known as B-cells, to attack the nervous system. The new drug acts in a similar fashion to natural antibodies in reducing or eliminating the flare-ups that result from MS.

Fortier adds the drug is known as a disease-modifying agent. It consists of an injection and alters how the body behaves on the cellular level by turning off the B-cells in the patient and stopping them from attacking the nervous system.

He notes if the drug is effective in its use, it will be a pretty significant step in the care of people who contract MS.