Nova Scotia supports controversial MS trials

Province joins Saskatchewan in calling for national trials of “liberation therapy”

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter has announced his support for nationwide clinical trials of liberation therapy, an unproven treatment for multiple sclerosis that is currently unavailable in Canada. The treatment, developed by an Italian doctor, is based on the idea that MS is caused by blocked veins in the neck and contradicts the prevailing theory that the disease is caused by the immune system attacking the body’s nerves. Patients have advocated for access to the therapy because there are anecdotal reports it is effective, but even Canada’s MS Society is skeptical that it’s worth pursuing. Saskatchewan announced its intention to fund trials of liberation therapy in July.