MS News that Caught My Eye Last Week: Popular DMTs, Data Analysis Predicts MS, Remyelination Study
![mineral](https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/shutterstock_241338388.jpg)
![MS_Wire_Ed_Tobias](https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/blog_images-31_720.png)
Oral DMTs Still Common 1st Therapy for New MS Patients but Ocrevus Having Impact, Market Report Says
Deciding on what therapy to use is a tough decision for people with MS and their doctors. That’s especially true for someone who is newly diagnosed. Do you go with a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that’s easy to take and has few serious side effects, but whose efficacy may not be as much as one of the newer treatments? Or, do you choose one of the newer DMTs, whose benefits may be great but whose risks may be greater than other medications? This report says pills are still tops, but at least one of the new DMTs is gaining popularity.
Oral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are the most common first choice of treatment for people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States, an analysis reports. Antibody-based DMTs like Ocrevus, however, are emerging competitors.
Spherix Global Insights, a market research and analysis company, states that one in everyĀ five new MS patients in the U.S. start treatment with oral DMTs due to their preference for these formulations, according to its second annual new start patient chart audit.
***
Machine Learning Platform Can Accurately Predict Onset of MS, Maker Says
Can a software program that analyzes data be used to spot someone who’s likely to be diagnosed with MS? This company says it has developed one that can spot diseases before doctors or other tests. Frankly, I find this hard to believe, but read the article and judge for yourself.
Ask questions and share your knowledge of MS in our forums.
IQuity, a data analytics company, announced the launch of an analytics platform that uses machine learning to predict, identify, and monitor chronic disease within large populations of patients, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
The platform was validated using a pilot study that assessed the healthcare claims of 20 million people inĀ New York, which encompassed four billion data points. IQuity focused on using these data to predict the onset of MS.
Results showed that the approach was able to predict, with greater than 90 percent accuracy, the onset of MS within the New York population at least eight months before traditional methods would enable a diagnosis of the disease.
***
Immune Response Promotes Remyelination in MS Mouse Model
Hardly a month goes by, it seems, without a mouse study involving remyelination. This is another one and it involves a process called phagocytosis and immune cells called microglia. It seems to add weight to the hope that a way will be found to repair our short-circuited nervous systems, but I sure wish researchers could speed things up.
Activation of the immune response mediated by cells called microglia favors remyelination and myelin repair in multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new Canadian study using mice.
The research, āmCSF-Induced Microglial Activation Prevents Myelin Loss and Promotes Its Repair in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis,ā was published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience.
***
Enzyme Key to Myelin Renewal and Nerve Cell Health Possibly Identified in Study
Here’s more hope that a way can be found to remyelinate damaged nerves. This study involves an enzyme known as PRMT5. And, yes, it’s another mouse study.
A better understanding of the processes behind a continual and healthy renewal of myelin ā the fatty, protective substance wrapping nerve cell fibers ā may now exist. Researchers identified an enzyme, called PRMT5, that they believe regulates the number of myelin-producing cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Their discovery may also open new ways of treating diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), characterized by myelin loss or impaired production.
***
Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News Today, or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
Comments
Patrick Sandoval
PRMT5 is just a study at this time am I right? My wife is on Ocrevus now and it seems like it still doesn't have the push I thought it would.
Ed Tobias
That's correct. This is only a mouse study.
Ed
Kevin Lipetzky
Sometimes, My MS puts me in such a low. I ask myself, what do you have to lose. Why not volunteer for a human study. We have been using mice long enough. Letās use a human!
Patricia Schoen: parent of MS patient
Why isn't there more interest in medical cnnibus for those with MS/
Could it be that pharmaceutical industry does not want that covered.
There are many cases of those who gained relief from pain and spasticity but in addition indicated substantial improvements in many other areas.
As a mother of a MS patient I find it a tragedy that this communication has indicated so little interest in this area. His quality of life has improved remarkably and has been met with surprise by his doctors.
Additionally,no side effects which are often so intense and difficult with the most MS meds are present with cannabadoids.
My guess is this comment will be removed before anyone has an opportunity to read and consider the possibility of improvement on cannabis.
All other comments has disappeared almost as soon as posted.
It makes one ponder.
Patrici Schoen
Patricia Schoen
Ed Tobias
Hi Patricia,
Please do a search on this website for "medical marijuana" or for "MMJ." You should find several articles about it, including at least one column that I wrote. I have no doubt that it's useful for relieving MS systems, particularly spasticity and pain.
Ed
Georgia
I have MS for for over 20 now. I do believe things are getting better and improving for everyone. However, I also believe there is a cure fur this and other neurological diseases. The pharmaceutical companies should be fined and penalized if this is knowingly kept from all who need and waiting for a cure. Why are new experimental medications made on mice? I for one would be happy to volunteer.