PERSEVERANCE=Real Heros:.Weizmann scientist discusses "miracle" MS drug:
"...relentless research in multiple sclerosis (MS), spanning three decades, that led to the development of a 'wonder' drug called Copaxone,""These things don't happen overnight," Arnon said, as she tracked the development of Copaxone from the inception of research in the late 1960s to the first trial results in 1971 to the drug's approval by the FDA in 1996.

"It took 29 years from beginning to end. Not at all unusual," she said matter-of-factly.

According to Dr. David Papermaster, the Solomon Professor of Neuroscience at UCONN Medical Center, who was at the luncheon, the drug was well worth the wait.

"Without a doubt, the most effective drug fighting MS has come out of the Weizmann Institute," he said.

Though Papermaster was quick to point out that MS does not fall within his particular area of medical expertise, those within whose professional purview it does fall were unequivocal in backing up his claim.

"Copaxone is having fantastic results," said Lisa Gerrol, executive director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Hartford Chapter......MORE