MS and Demyelinating Disorders

Lawrence Steinman, MD, Zimmermann Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, and Pediatrics at Stanford University, discussed findings presented at ECTRIMS 2021.

Data from the EXPAND trial show that after 12 months of treatment, changes on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness favored those on siponimod rather than the placebo group.

The director of the Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research at Cleveland Clinic provided context on whether efficacy outcomes should be weighed more than mechanistic action when evaluating MSC-NTF cell therapies. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

In addition to the data presented at ECTRIMS Congress 2021, Atara Bio is investigating the therapy in an ongoing and enrolling phase 2 study, EMBOLD (NCT03283826), which is expected to read out interim results in early 2022.

After vaccination, patients showed no increased risk of relapse activity, but had varied immune response depending on the disease-modifying therapy they were treated with.

Investigators found that Hispanic and African American patients had an increased risk of developing ambulatory disability, when compared to Caucasian patients with MS.

The clinical research director of the USCF Multiple Sclerosis Center discussed the importance of improving knowledge and education for patients with NMOSD, as well as strategies to do so. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

In data presented at ECTRIMS 2021, from years 1-5, the proportions of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis achieving NEDA-3 status ranged from 63%to 75%.

The director of the Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research at Cleveland Clinic discussed the use of MSC-NTF cells in progressive MS and the data backing this approach. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Investigators highlighted the need to integrate research frameworks to analyze and understand these interrelationships, developing appropriate interventions for the Black, Latinx, and Hispanic populations with NMOSD and MS.

Discussing the 3 FDA-approved treatments for NMOSD, the clinical research director of the UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center commented on the positive impact, as well as resultant barriers to care. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

The neurologist at Wayne State University provided background on why there needs to be a continued focus on including and studying African American patients with NMOSD in trials. [WATCH TIME 3 minutes]

Neuromyelitis optica patient Doug highlights the types of treatments he has received since his diagnosis and provides suggestions to patients on navigating therapy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kim, a patient with neuromyelitis optica, describes what it has been like receiving rituximab infusions as preventive therapy, and shares advice for others who are about to embark on a similar treatment journey.

The clinical research director of the UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center provided an overview on the state of care for NMOSD, specifically the development of inebilizumab, satralizumab, and eculizumab. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes]

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The division chief of vascular neurology at the University of Utah discussed the individual role that clinicians and neurologists can play to increase interest in the field of neurology. [WATCH TIME: 2 minutes]

Neurology News Network for the week ending October 9, 2021. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Take 5 minutes to catch up on NeurologyLive's highlights from the week ending October 8, 2021.

Advice and resources for colleagues, including community practitioners and neurologists, to encourage collaboration and best support for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

An optimistic look at the future management of multiple sclerosis (MS) based on newer treatment options and ongoing research in the field.

Investigators suggest recognition of predictors can aid in directing future clinical trials, as well as inform early therapeutic decisions in this patient population.

Evanthia Bernitsas, MD, neurologist, Wayne State University, discussed a recently conducted analysis, which confirmed inebilizumab’s ability to treat African Americans with NMOSD.

Catch up on any of the neurology news headlines you may have missed over the course of the last month, compiled all into one place by the NeurologyLive team.

Most attacks occurred within the first year of inebilizumab treatment, and nearly all participants were attack free in subsequent years following treatment initiation.