Margarida Maia, PhD,  science writer—

Margarida is a biochemist (University of Porto, Portugal) with a PhD in biomedical sciences (VIB and KULeuven, Belgium). Her main interest is science communication. She is also passionate about design and the dialogue between art and science.

Articles by Margarida Maia

Obexelimab stops 95% of new MS brain lesions in trial

Obexelimab, a therapy Zenas Biopharma is developing for a range of autoimmune diseases, almost completely prevented the formation of new inflammatory lesions in adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the first three months of a clinical trial. That’s according to data from the first part…

Researchers gain funds to advance a new type of treatment for MS

An international research team has secured nearly $800,000 (about CA$1.1 million) to advance a potential regenerative therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) toward clinical testing. While existing treatments can slow disease progression, none can repair the nerve damage that has already occurred. This new project aims to change that by…

FDA prioritizes Hope’s stem cell treatment with RMAT designation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted regenerative medicine advanced therapy (RMAT) designation to Hope Biosciences‘ adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HB-adMSCs) to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). RMAT status is given to therapies with compelling proof that they may substantially improve patient outcomes compared with existing…

New database aims to accelerate research into progressive MS

The International Progressive MS Alliance has introduced the MS Clinical and Imaging Data Resource, or CIDR, to accelerate the search for effective treatments for progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) where options are limited. The resource was built in partnership with McGill University in Canada, as well as…

Early signs of MS may appear years before a diagnosis

People who develop multiple sclerosis (MS) begin using healthcare services more frequently up to 15 years before their first MS symptoms appear, a study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) suggests. The findings add to evidence that early signs of MS may go unnoticed for many years.

PAG-MS-guided exercise offers path to easing MS depression

Regular exercise that follows established guidelines for physical activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) leads to clinically meaningful gains in depression and supports its use as a nonpharmacological treatment for people with MS, a meta-analysis of 12 studies suggests. The meta-analysis, “Effects of meeting exercise guidelines on depression and…

MIND diet plan strengthens antioxidant defenses in MS: Study

Following the MIND diet plan, rich in leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts, berries, and lean meats, may help strengthen the body’s antioxidant defenses in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a study found. The Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet combines the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes those…

Combined behavioral, cognitive training aids memory, coping skills

A 10-week program that combines cognitive behavioral therapy — a technique focused on understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors — with cognitive training to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills may enhance memory, boost vitality, and help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop effective coping strategies. “These…

Placenta stem cells eased secondary progressive MS symptoms

Stem cells from donated placentas appear safe and may help reduce symptoms of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a small, open-label Phase 1 clinical trial involving five patients. “Our results suggest possible neuroprotective effects” from these stem cells, researchers wrote in “Cell therapy with placenta-derived mesenchymal…