Dementia and Alzheimer Disease

Epilepsy

Migraine

Headache and Migraine

MS Advanced Practice Providers

Multiple Sclerosis

NMOSD

MS and Demyelinating Disorders

Parkinson Disease

Movement Disorders

Ataxia

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Muscular Dystrophy

Neuromuscular

Insomnia

Narcolepsy

Sleep Disorders

Stroke

News

Media

All Videos

Medical World News

Podcasts

Weekly Recap

Cure Connections

Insights

News Network

NeurologyLive Peer Exchange

Medcast Podcasts

Medcast Videos

Peers & Perspectives

Roundtable Discussions

Conferences

Conference Coverage

Conference Listing

CME/CE

Partners

Publications

NeurologyLive

Bridging the Gaps

International Journal of MS Care

Resources

Disease Spotlight

Fellows' Corner

Future Leaders in Neurology

Giants of Multiple Sclerosis

Interactive Tools

Live Events

Neurology Resources

Virtual Events

Subscribe

Videos

In this segment, Kremens described pump therapies currently in development, such as ND0612 and ABBV-951.

Investigational Pump Agents to Treat Parkinson Disease

Articles

Tanisha Hill-Jarrett, PhD, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, discussed the change needed to improve cognitive decline rates in Black women in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Understanding the Root Causes of Cognitive Decline in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods

Kremens gave thoughts on the use of several investigational continuous agents, including IPX203, risvodetinib, and P2B001.

Emerging Novel Therapies in Development for PD

The director for the Mayo Clinic Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology provided an overview of the open-label extension of the phase 3 CHAMPION-NMOSD trial and how the newly approved ravulizumab fits with other NMOSD treatments. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Ravulizumab’s Long-Term Efficacy and Safety as NMOSD Treatment: Sean Pittock, MD

Director, Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic 

The award ceremony is supported by EMD Serono and Viatris and will take place on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Nashville Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, during the 2024 CMSC Annual Meeting.

NeurologyLive and CMSC Announce the 3rd Annual Giants of MS Class of Inductees

, has been with the team since September 2022. Follow her on Twitter 

The professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic talked about the need for comprehensive testing, careful consideration of criteria for diagnosis, and effective treatment in MOG antibody-associated disease.

NeuroVoices: Eoin P. Flanagan, MB, BCh, on the Potential Significance of Spinal Fluid Testing for MOGAD Diagnosis

The professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic discussed the importance of standardizing MOG- antibody testing techniques and the need for effective treatments in patients living with MOGAD. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

MOG-Antibody Testing and the Search for Effective Treatment in MOGAD: Eoin P. Flanagan, MB, BCh

The multiple sclerosis condition center is a resource for clinical news on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple sclerosis. | NeurologyLive.


Multiple Sclerosis | Clinical Neurology News | NeurologyLive

NeurologyLive is your direct connection to the latest neurology news and interviews with expert neurologists in multimedia formats.

About Us

Advisory Board

Editorial

Contact Us

Advertise

Contact MJH LS

Do Not Sell My Information

Terms and Conditions

Privacy

NeurologyLive – Clinical Neurology News and Neurology Expert Insights

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIN

YouTube

Spotlight

AAN 2024

MDA 2024

ACTRIMS 2024

Treating NMOSD: What's Next?

Clinical Focus

Dementia/Alzheimer

Headache/Migraine

Video Series

1.125rem

Clinical

 MS Disease Spotlight page offers specific updates and coverage on the latest expert conversations and data readouts related to the treatment and management of patients with multiple sclerosis and demyelinating disorders.

 to subscribe on your favorite streaming service.

The Mind Moments podcast features exclusive interviews with leaders in the field discussing the latest research and disease management strategies across the breadth of neurology, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson disease, dementia, sleep disorders, and more.

Episode 47, "Incorporating Physical Therapy Into MS Care," features an exclusive interview with Patricia Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP, physical therapist, UC Health, and cochair, 

International Organization of MS Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT)

. Bobryk shared her insight into the clinical care of MS from the perspective of a rehabilitative specialist, and the importance of including physical therapy approaches as part of the multidisciplinary approach to care as early as possible to ensure more beneficial long-term outcomes for patients, also speaking to the latest advances and developments in rehabilitative medicine.

The stories feature in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here:

Noncontact Boxing Exercise Assessed for Parkinson Disease Benefit

Opicapone Demonstrates Small Benefit for Sleep in Parkinson Disease

Amylyx Announces Plans to Submit NDA for AMX0035 for ALS

Episode Breakdown

 to subscribe to the Mind Moments podcast. Be sure to leave a rating and review for the show. Thanks for listening!

Disease Spotlight: Multiple Sclerosis

"Mind Moments," a podcast from NeurologyLive, brings you an exclusive interview with Patricia Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP.

Episode 47: Incorporating Physical Therapy Into MS Care

The Mind Moments podcast features exclusive interviews with leaders in the field discussing the latest research and disease management strategies across the breadth of neurology, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, dementia, sleep disorders, and more.

Episode 38, "Advancing MS Care and Awareness," features an interview with Barry Hendin, MD, clinical professor, University of Arizona; director, Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Banner University Medical Center; and chief medical officer, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. He shared his perspective on the recent World MS Day on May 30, the impact awareness efforts have had on care, and how treatment has evolved during his time as a multiple scleorsis (MS) physician.

"Mind Moments," a podcast from NeurologyLive, brings you an exclusive interview with Barry Hendin, MD.

Episode 38: Advancing MS Care and Awareness

Ofatumumab showed a consistent and long-term reduction in relapse rates and MRI lesion activity in patients with recently diagnosed, treatment-naïve relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Ofatumumab Demonstrates Sustained Efficacy in Recently Diagnosed and Treatment-Naive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Over 6 Years

Elizabeth Miller, MA, the manager of health literacy at the National MS Society, discussed the impact of health literacy in the multiple sclerosis community. 

Advancing Equity and Inclusion: Health Literacy for the MS Community and Beyond

As part of our monthly clinician spotlight, NeurologyLive® highlighted multiple sclerosis expert Scott Newsome, DO, MSCS, FAAN, FANA, director of the Stiff Person Syndrome Center and professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins Medicine. 

NeurologyLive® Clinician of the Month Spotlight: Scott Newsome, DO, MSCS, FAAN, FANA

A feature on NeurologyLive®, IJMSC Insights offers a closer look at the latest research and the people behind it from the community of the International Journal of Multiple Sclerosis Care (IJMSC) and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC).

Are Apps the Answer? Access in Multiple Sclerosis Care

Benefits of exercise and physical activity patients with MS discuss strategies for talking to patients about the positive effects of lifestyle changes.

The Importance of Lifestyle Changes in Multiple Sclerosis Care

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD; Riley Bove, MD; Stephen Krieger, MD; and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) during a discussion. Patient stories play a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions, which extend beyond medication to include lifestyle changes and rehabilitation techniques.

A collaborative team of healthcare providers is necessary to address the diverse symptoms experienced by MS patients effectively. Lifestyle modifications and physical therapy can have a significant impact, even in mid to later stages of the disease. The speaker highlights the importance of prescribing exercise as a necessary component of treatment, likening it to a prescription rather than an optional activity.

The discussion also emphasized the long-term benefits of early lifestyle changes, which can lead to improved outcomes as patients age. Implementing a multidisciplinary approach not only improves patient outcomes but also helps avoid polypharmacy, reducing the risk of medication accumulation.

Exercise can be tailored to patients’ abilities, emphasizing the importance of finding manageable routines. Referring patients to physical therapy ensures they receive personalized exercise regimens suited to their needs, promoting adherence and long-term success.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by NeurologyLive editorial staff.

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Riley Bove, MD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, review the benefits of exercise and physical activity in patients with MS. They also discuss strategies for talking to patients about the positive effects of lifestyle changes.

talk about the importance of monitoring bladder dysfunction symptoms in MS care. 

Bladder Management and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis Management

In this discussion, the speaker emphasizes the focus on visible signs of progression in multiple sclerosis (MS), such as ambulation, while overlooking invisible symptoms like bladder dysfunction. This neglect is concerning as these symptoms significantly impact patients' lives. The conversation underscored the importance of considering these "unseen but felt" symptoms, including bladder issues, in treatment decisions.

Bladder problems are pervasive in MS but often underrecognized and undertreated until advanced stages, highlighting a gap in care. The discussion advocated for a shift towards incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical practice to better track these silent symptoms. It stressed the significance of recognizing the impact of symptoms like cognition, spasticity, and bladder dysfunction on patients' daily lives.

The speaker emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to actively solicit information about these symptoms during consultations, avoiding generic questions that may not elicit relevant responses. Additionally, it was suggested that even patients with a normal Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score may have hidden deficits that impact their quality of life, necessitating more thorough assessments.

To address these issues, healthcare providers were encouraged to refer patients for specialized evaluations when needed, such as bladder dysfunction assessments for those with an EDSS of zero. This approach aims to ensure that patients' reported symptoms lead to comprehensive investigations and appropriate interventions, ultimately improving their overall care and quality of life.

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Riley Bove, MD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, talk about the importance of monitoring bladder dysfunction symptoms in MS care. 

Tarun Singhal, MD, MBBS, discussed findings from a study investigating nasal foralumab in patients with non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Potential of Nasal Foralumab in Treating Non-Active Secondary Progressive MS: Tarun Singhal, MD, MBBS

“One of the common problems we see in our clinic is that often patients continue to get worse clinically, but there are no changes on their MRI. In other words, we don't know the reason why patients are getting worse, despite having no new lesions or relapses.”

Foralumab (Tiziana Life Sciences), an investigational fully-human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, has a mechanistic function that binds to the T cell receptor and dampens inflammation by modulating T cell function, thereby suppressing effector features in multiple immune cell subsets. Findings from an 

 revealed that treatment with foralumab resulted in diminished microglial activation and clinical stability in patients with non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (na-SPMS) who had progression independent of relapses (PIRA).

2024 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting

, held April 13-18, in Denver, Colorado, by lead author Tarun Singhal, MD, MBBS. At both the 3- and 6-month time points, 5 of 6 foralumab-treated patients (83%; 95% CI, 44%-97%) demonstrated a qualitative reduction in (F-18)PBR06-PET in multiple brain regions. Patients in the small-scale study also had stable Expanded Disability Status Scale scores and improvements in Modified Fatigue Impact Scale as a result of foralumab treatment.

Singhal, director of the PET Imaging Program in Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, sat down with 

® at the meeting to further discuss the significance of PIRA in the progression of MS. He also spoke about how PET imaging may aid in identifying hidden inflammation in the brain. Singhal, who also serves as an associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, also explained the implications of the findings from the recent study assessing foralumab as a potential treatment for patients with na-SPMS.

Click here for more coverage of AAN 2024.

REFERENCES
1. Singhal T, Zurawski Jm Cicero S, et al. Treatment of PIRA with nasal foralumab dampens microglial activation and stabilizes clinical progression in non-active secondary progressive MS. Presented at: 2024 AAN Annual Meeting; April 13-18; Denver, CO.

The associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School discussed findings from a study investigating nasal foralumab in patients with non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

strategies for optimizing treatment of women with MD who are pregnant while minimizing risks evolving approaches to managing women who are breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and Lactation in Multiple Sclerosis

Specializing in managing pregnancy and lactation in patients, the speaker emphases regularly discussing family planning with those of childbearing potential. Patients often do not volunteer this information, making it essential to ask at every visit due to changing plans and circumstances.

For those planning to conceive, avoiding disease-modifying therapies that could pose risks during pregnancy is stressed. Discontinuing treatments like S1P receptor modulators well in advance of planned conception is advised to minimize fetal exposure.

One strategy recommended is treating patients with B-cell depleting therapies before pregnancy. This approach ensures that by the time of conception, the drug is cleared from the system, minimizing risks to the baby. This planning helps alleviate the stress often associated with pregnancy planning for many patients.

The postpartum period is highlighted as a critical phase, with many patients experiencing clinical relapses or new lesions. Research on the transfer of medications into breast milk reveals reassuring findings on the minimal transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) monoclonals, making breastfeeding safer for treated patients.

Having multiple sclerosis (MS) should not deter patients from family planning goals. With the availability of highly effective treatments, including B-cell depleting therapies, patients can confidently plan for pregnancies with appropriate medical guidance.

The field has seen advancements, with pharmaceutical companies investing in understanding the safety of their products for pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, monitoring babies for longer-term outcomes remains necessary due to the complexity of immune biology and potential risks beyond simple medication transfer.

Overall, this work has empowered women with MS and their families, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning while managing their condition effectively.

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Riley Bove, MD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, review strategies for optimizing treatment of women with MS who are pregnant while minimizing risks. They also talk about evolving approaches to managing women who are breastfeeding.

differences in immunologic phenotypes across racial boundaries data showing despite these differences, response high-efficacy agents consistent regardless race

Immunological Phenotypes of Multiple Sclerosis and Patient Race

The discussion focuses on potential immunological differences across racial groups and their impact on the response to treatment in patients with certain conditions. There are observed variations in immunological phenotypes among racial groups, with some patients identifying as black showing higher levels of inflammation, indicated by elevated IgG index, cellular pleocytosis, or oligoclonal bands.

While there is limited research to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between race and disease severity or treatment response, existing literature generally suggests that people of different races respond well to highly effective therapies. For instance, anti-CD20 medications and natalizumab are found to be effective across racial groups, including those who might have started with a higher disease risk.

The CHIMES study, focusing on the Black population treated with ocrelizumab, aims to evaluate the efficacy of this highly effective treatment method in this specific group. However, there is still much to understand about these racial distinctions, with ongoing debates on the biological vs social construct of race and its impact on disease outcomes.

Recent studies highlight differences in disease burden between Black and White patients without providing a clear assessment of the underlying causes. The complexity of these studies, including various confounders, makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions.

Overall, while there are observed differences in immunological responses across racial groups, current evidence suggests that effective treatments can still be beneficial regardless of race. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and factors contributing to these variations.

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Riley Bove, MD, discuss differences in immunologic phenotypes across racial boundaries. They also discuss data showing that, despite these differences, response to high-efficacy agents appears to be consistent regardless of race.

Jaime Imitol, MD, talked about the unevenly distributed progress in multiple sclerosis care, impacting minority populations.

Advancing MS Care for Minority Populations Using the VISIBL-MS Bilingual Framework: Jaime Imitol, MD

"By increasing self-agency in patients and raising awareness of early red flags and warning signs of MS, we can improve the number of patients who seek timely medical care."

Early detection in multiple sclerosis (MS) is important in the age of disease modifying therapies (DMT) and improved diagnostic criteria. Research shows that there is a lack of public awareness about MS, which results in delays of DMT initiation. This negatively impacts demographics with increased risk of severe disease burden and increased health disparities, including the African American and Hispanic patient population.

 are effective for educating patients, families, and medical students about the early signs of stroke. Recently, investigators conducted a systematic review to determine the use of educational tools and mnemonics in MS education. After consulting with culturally competent bilingual physicians and patients, researchers then designed a mnemonic called 

 to encompass early signs of MS for medical students, general neurologists, and the population at large. This bilingual framework, which offers directions in English and Spanish, provides a novel structure for MS-specific awareness that addresses the interconnection between language, culture, health literacy, and health outcomes

, held April 13-18, in Denver, Colorado, by senior author Jaime Imitola, MD, chief of the Division of MS and Neuroimmunology at UConn Health. Imitol sat down with 

 at the meeting to discuss steps that can be taken to increase awareness and understanding of MS among minority populations. He also spoke about how medical students and healthcare providers can be better equipped to support patients with the disease. Additionally, Imitol, who also serves as a professor of neurology, genetics and genome sciences, and neuroscience at University of Connecticut, talked about the main challenges in delivering equitable MS care to African American and Hispanic patients.

REFERENCES
1. Patel S, Rafferty S, Aquino L, et al. VISIBL-MS: A Bilingual Educational Tool to Increase Awareness of Early Multiple Sclerosis in Diverse Populations. Presented at: 2024 AAN Annual Meeting; April 13-18; Denver, CO.
2. Patel S, Rafferty S, Aquino L, et al. VISIBL-MS: A bilingual educational framework to increase awareness of early multiple sclerosis. 

. 2024;30(4-5):585-593. doi:10.1177/13524585241228739

The chief of the Division of MS and Neuroimmunology at UConn Health talked about the unevenly distributed progress in multiple sclerosis care, impacting minority populations who often face worse disease outcomes. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes]

SAP Partners

Advancing MS Care for Minority Populations Using the VISIBL-MS Bilingual Framework: Jaime Imitola, MD

Prashanth Rajarajan, MD, PhD, Brigham talked about the assessment of safety with checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Safety of Cancer Treatment in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Prashanth Rajarajan, MD, PhD

"The checkpoint inhibitors seem to be safe from the perspective of not exacerbating the underlying neurologic condition."

Research shows an association between the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) as well as exacerbation of pre-existing autoimmune diseases. Although prior studies show that ICIs trigger relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the incidence of ICI-induced MS activity is unclear. In a new interim analysis of  a study of patients with MS who were predominantly older and not on disease-modifying therapy (DMT), findings showed an unusual occurrence of MS relapses and disease progression following ICI treatment.

Investigators identified 38 patients with MS who were treated with ICIs, 13 (34%) of whom were on DMT immediately prior to ICI initiation and 8 who continued on DMT during ICI therapy. Presented at the 

, held April 13-18, in Denver, Colorado, by coauthor Prashanth Rajarajan, MD, PhD, and colleagues, the most common primary tumors were lung (n = 11) and melanoma (n = 10). Over a mean follow-up of 13 months after ICI initiation, 1 patient had a relapse after ICI treatment and 1 other patient had ongoing progressive disease. Notably, 2 patients (5%) had peripheral nervous system ICI irAEs and 12 (32%) had a nonneurologic ICI irAEs.

Rajarajan, neurology resident at Massachusetts General Brigham, sat down with 

 at the meeting to further discuss how the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors impact patients with pre-existing MS. He also talked about the rates of relapse or disease activity that occur in MS patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors. In addition, Rajarajan spoke about how the treatment approach should differ for patients with MS as opposed to other autoimmune conditions.

REFERENCES
1. Quinn C, Rajarajan P, Kopinsky H. Multi-institutional Study of Neurologic Outcomes in People with Multiple Sclerosis Who Are Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Oncologic Indications. Presented at: 2024 AAN Annual Meeting; April 13-18; Denver, CO.

The neurology resident at Massachusetts General Brigham talked about assessing the safety of cancer treatments in patients with multiple sclerosis using checkpoint inhibitors. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes] 

Safety of Cancer Treatments in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Prashanth Rajarajan, MD, PhD

Riley Bove, MD, talked about findings from an analysis that assessed the safety of ocrelizumab when administered close to pregnancy.

Pregnancy Outcomes of Maternal Exposure to Ocrelizumab: Riley Bove, MD

"From what we can gather from our best data, we don't see any major risk or safety signal [with ocrelizumab], whether that's about the pregnancy itself, or about how the babies are doing."

The United States prescription information advises for contraception with ocrelizumab (Ocrevus; Genentech) and for 6 months following the latest infusion; however, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have pregnancies during this interval. In a new analysis, findings showed that 

 exposure to ocrelizumab did not increase risk of adverse pregnancy or infant outcomes compared with previous reports and an epidemiological background of both MS and general population.

, held April 13-18, in Denver, Colorado, by lead author 

The associate professor of neurology at University of California, San Francisco talked about findings from an analysis that assessed the safety of ocrelizumab when administered close to pregnancy. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

Multiple Sclerosis

Latest News