On March 13, 2008, a full day workshop was held focusing on discussion and interaction among experts on future of Multiple Sclerosis and Beta Interferons in Pakistan. The participants included Neurologists, Psychiatrists, Medical Students, BioScientists, Philanthropists, Statisticians, Industrialists and Social Workers who presented their views and shared their expertise on Multiple Sclerosis and its burden on the society, through a series of presentations and panel discussions. As a first concrete step, a pilot team has been constructed to look at the possibilities of establishing a country wide Multiple Sclerosis Registry. The group also discussed the ways and means of integrating life sciences research at Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology carried out on Beta Interferons and its eventual commercialization. However, it was strongly realized that even if beta interferons are made in Pakistan, the final product may have to be subsidized through collection of organized charity because of its high costs.

From the first discussion team it has been agreed that a pilot team will look the possibility of establishing a country - wide Multiple Sclerosis Registry with technical help from Dr. Amanullah of IMS. Dr. Aman will set the ball rolling by sending a technical proposal of this project and then all will contribute. It must be accepted with great appreciation that Dr. Amnullah Khan has offered this service free of charge.
 
Dr. Amanullah Khan has also offered to send a member of his team to give a short presentation in the Pakistan Society of Neurology Conference being held at Peshawar on April 5 and 6. His time slot will be negotiated with Dr. Sardar Alam.
 
The members of Pilot team are:
 
1. Dr. Amnuallah Khan
2. Dr. Shams
3. Dr. Shaukat Ali
4. Dr. Arif Herekar
5. Dr. Arsalan Ahmad
6. Dr. Mughis Sheerani
7. Dr. Col. Babar Khan
 
Dr. Awais e Siraj will provide an initial list of Neurologists of the country and will also volunteer to facilitate the IMS team actively in motivating the physicians to enter the data in the program installed by IMS.
 
While some of the participants left before the second discussion, some important issues were discussed and agreed in that as well. Main points are as follows:
 

1. Dr. Sheikh Riazuddin informed the participants that Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, Lahore is geared up to produce Beta Interferon in a realistic time - frame of 12 - 24 months. However, there are regulatory, commercial production and marketing issues involved.
2. Mr. Rashid Khan gave a series of options to organize the private charity for helping MS patients with the cost of expensive drugs. With he experience, gave the following suggestions to speed up the charity work of Multiple Sclerosis Research and Patient Welfare Trust:

1. Institutionalize the Trust
2. Associate powerful and influential people with the trust and its activities
3. Increase awareness of the disease
4. Have paid people to run the affairs of the Trust
5. Look for sponsorships from Big Companies
6.  Link it with another disease

 
Out of these 6, it was agreed that (b), (d) and (f) will be given priority.
 
3. Dr. Shahzad Khan mentioned that the Biopharmaceutical industry would be very happy to collaborate with the researchers if there is a series of interaction and exchange of ideas between both.