Health Minister probing new MS therapy

Alberta's health minister says he's keeping a close eye on the progress of a new treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, but won't commit to funding clinical trials.

Monday marks the beginning of yearly meetings for provincial health ministers and liberation treatment is expected to be a top discussion item.

Saskatchewan has promised to fund clinical trials of the unproven therapy, whether or not the federal government kicks in cash.

The federal Tories say they won't fund the treatment because there isn't enough data to prove that it works.

The procedure is based on a theory that blocked veins leads to a build-up of iron in the brain, which then causes MS symptoms.

Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky tells The Calgary Herald he plans to have a serious, private discussion with the Saskatchewan health minister to learn more.