Mary Chapman, features writer —

Mary graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in journalism. She began her career at United Press International, then spent a decade reporting for the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (now Bloomberg Industry Group). Mary has written extensively for The New York Times, and her work has appeared in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Fortune, and the Chicago Tribune. She’s won a Society of Professional Journalists award for outstanding reporting.

Articles by Mary Chapman

Aptar to operate, develop Biogen’s lifestyle support apps for MS

Under a new agreement, Biogen is transferring ownership of certain digital health solutions — including two existing mobile applications, or apps, offering lifestyle support to people with multiple sclerosis (MS) — to Aptar Digital Health. The collaboration calls for Aptar, part of AptarGroup, to handle product design…

Helius to showcase PoNS device at physical therapy meeting Feb. 15-17

Helius Medical Technologies will be showcasing its now-accredited PoNS device — designed to improve walking ability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) — at this year’s American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CMS), slated for Feb. 15-17. The annual meeting, which will feature educational sessions, exhibits,…

Scientist granted $700K to study care barriers for Latino MS patients

A Kessler Foundation research scientist will use a multiyear, $704,054 federal grant to study care barriers, cardiovascular risk factors, and accelerated brain aging in Latino multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, the nonprofit healthcare organization announced in a press release. Cristina A. F. Román, PhD, an investigator with Kessler’s Rocco…

Generics of Tecfidera not available in Europe until at least 2025

The European Commission (EC) has withdrawn its marketing authorizations for generic versions of Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), an oral therapy approved in Europe for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). According to Biogen, which developed and markets the brand-name medication, the decision ensures Biogen will have full data and marketing protection…

EU funds research consortium seeking causes of MS, treatments

The European Union (EU) is providing 7.1 million euros (about $7.6 million) over five years to a global interdisciplinary consortium that seeks to identify the causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) — with a particular focus on viruses — and find new treatments for the disease. The “BEHIND MS”…

Hackensack Meridian’s status as comprehensive care center renewed

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) again has certified Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute’s Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Related Diseases at Hackensack University Medical Center as a multiple sclerosis (MS) comprehensive care center. In addition to meeting the NMSS’ core requirements, the certification’s renewal also recognizes…

MS Bike raises more than $4M for MS Canada

MS Bike‘s cycling fundraiser events have raised at least $4.3 million over the last four months to support MS Canada and people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a country with one of the highest rates of the progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The organization predicts up to $4.6 million…

Folia Health expands patient data collection in MS, other conditions

Health technology platform Folia Health is expanding patient-reported data collection in multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease (HD), and myasthenia gravis (MG), a move the company hopes will lead to collaborative observational research in the complex disorders, and help transform research and care. As part of this…

Tee up with Johns Hopkins, MS4MS to raise funds toward MS fight

A day of golfing is in store for those who want to support Johns Hopkins Hospital’s efforts on behalf of research for multiple sclerosis (MS) and to raise awareness about the progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The #spreadingORANGE event will aid the Johns Hopkins Multiple Sclerosis Center along with MS…

10 MS nonprofits unite on shared research strategy to find cures

To address knowledge gaps and avoid duplicate efforts in the lab and in trials, 10 multiple sclerosis (MS) organizations from around the world have committed to a single global research strategy to find a cure for the progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The nonprofits, with headquarters in countries ranging from the…

ACROBiosystems joins Diagnostic Biochips for neuroscience research

Aneuro, a brand of the biotechnology company ACROBiosystems, is partnering with the biosensor maker Diagnostic Biochips to help bring to market new approaches to treating disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, the companies are collaborating to launch electrophysiology solutions that can be used in living…

2 new IVX Health outpatient infusion centers open in Florida

More treatment centers for people with autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are now available in Florida, as IVX Health expands its footprint across the state with the addition of two outpatient infusion and injection centers in the Fort Lauderdale area. With the new locations in Pembroke…

Alliance launches research grant program to mark World MS Day

To mark World MS Day, which takes place annually on May 30, the International Progressive MS Alliance is introducing a research program to help drive early innovations in care programs for those with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, the program seeks to identify solutions to…

Better MS outcomes are goal of MSAA-led learning health network

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is collaborating with Novartis and the Chronic Health Improvement Research Program (CHIRP) at Dartmouth Health to establish a multicenter learning health network for providers to drive better outcomes for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Called the Multiple Sclerosis Implementation Network…

‘Faces on Design’ project unveils assistive devices for patients

A yearlong project by University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) engineering and nursing students has meant new customized assistive devices for people with physical conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). The program pairs seniors from UDM’s College of Engineering & Science with nursing students from the College of Health Professions…

New optometric technology may help reduce fall risk

Sensoria Health and Padula Rehabilitation Technologies (PRT) have launched a wearable system crafted for optometry practices to improve balance, gait, and coordination, and to help reduce the risk of falls, particularly among older people. The system, NeurOpTrek powered by Sensoria, is designed to assess a person’s fall risk…

New deal makes HealthTech Connex exclusive provider of PoNS device

An agreement with Helius Medical Technologies has made HealthTech Connex (HTC) the exclusive provider, for at least the next five years, of the noninvasive Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) device in the Vancouver area of British Columbia in Canada. The new deal supplants an earlier clinical research and promotions…

People with MS now eligible for US Foreign Service

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has approved a class settlement overhauling a decades-old medical clearance system that led to illegal discrimination in the U.S. Foreign Service against people with mental health conditions or other disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The class settlement, signed in December,…

Online medical cannabis clinic for MS pain management opens in UK

The Kanabo Group has established what it claims is the U.K.’s first online medical cannabis clinic to help people with multiple sclerosis and other conditions manage chronic pain. Called Treat It, the clinic is expected to help those whose conventional pharmaceutical medicines are ineffective or those…

Neural Sleeve developer Cionic names its 1st Center of Excellence

Cionic — developer of the Neural Sleeve for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other conditions that affect mobility — has chosen the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab as the inaugural location for its Center of Excellence program. The Chicago-based facility has been named the nation’s top physical medicine and…