MDS Congress 2021: Highlights, Takeaways, and Future Research

The International Parkinson and Movement Disorders (MDS) Society Virtual Congress 2021, September 17-22, featured presentations from leaders and experts in the fields of Parkinson disease (PD) and movement disorders, outlining the latest advances in the field, as well as calling attention to areas and needs for future research. 

Presentations covered a multitude of topics, including the efficacy of medical cannabis in treating dystonia, the potential of omavalexolone in treating Friedrich Ataxia, dance class interventions for patients with PD, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on specific patient populations with movement disorders.

The NeurologyLive team spoke with experts over the course of the virtual event, diving deeper into key findings from individual studies—swipe through the slideshow to browse our interviews and to hear what experts are saying about PD and movement disorders. 

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The MOXIe trial (NCT02255435), featuring a 2-part study design, is the largest global interventional trial ever conducted in Friedrich Ataxia (FA). The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of omaveloxolone (Reata Pharmaceuticals) in a cohort of 73 patients with FA, using differences in modified Friedrich’s Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS) scores as the primary end point.¹

At MDS 2021, data from the open-label, delayed-start period of the MOXIe trial was presented by David R. Lynch, MD, PhD, professor of neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Lynch sat down with NeurologyLive to provide background on the results, including the notable topline findings and the substantial improvement in those who previously switched from placebo.

REFERENCES

1. Lynch DR, Chin MP, Boesch S, et al. Efficacy of omaveloxolone in patients with Friedrich’s ataxia: delayed-start study. Presented at MDS Virtual Congress; September 17-22, 2021. Poster LBA 2.
2. Dommershuijsen L, Heide A, Berg E, et al. Effect of COVID-19 stressors on mental health and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease. Presented at: MDS Congress 2021; September 17-22; Virtual. Poster 1045. 
3. Anis S, Faust-Socher D, Sverdlov D, Hezi N, Giladi N, Gurevich T. A real-life study of Medical Cannabis effect on adults with dystonia. Presented at MDS Congress 2021; September 17-22; Virtual. Poster 93.
4. Hauser R, Factor S, Ondo W, Zhang I, Pappert E, Navia B. Apomorphine sublingual film for “OFF” episodes in Parkinson’s Disease: Impact of concomitant antiemetics on nausea and vomiting. Presented at: MDS Congress 2021; September 17-22; Virtual. Poster 394.
5. Ondo W, Hauser R, Bowling A, Isaacson S, Pappert E, Navia B. pomorphine Sublingual Film for “OFF” Episodes in Parkinson’s Disease: Characterization of Acute Nausea During Dose Titration. Presented at: MDS Congress 2021; September 17-22; Virtual. Poster 427.
6. Sunovion presents new Kynmobi (apomorphine sublingual film) study data at the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Congress 2021. News release. Sunovion. September 10, 2021. Accessed September 16, 2021. https://news.sunovion.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2021/Sunovion-Presents-New-KYNMOBI-apomorphine-sublingual-film-Study-Data-at-the-International-Parkinson-and-Movement-Disorder-Society-MDS-Congress-2021/default.aspx