News

Brain damage in MS children linked to lower socioeconomic status

Children with multiple sclerosis (MS) who come from poorer families or other disadvantageous circumstances tend to have more inflammation and irreversible brain tissue loss, a new study reports. ā€œOur findings suggest that social disadvantage in childhood can have lasting effects on MS severity,ā€ Kimberly A. Oā€™Neill, MD, study coauthor…

Severe COVID-19 may double risk of MS: Swedish study

Hospitalization for severe COVID-19 is significantly associated with a twofold higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study involving nearly the entire population of Sweden. No increased risk of MS was found among those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, or received…

Roche to buy Poseida, building on CAR-T cell collaboration

Roche signed a definitive agreement to acquire Poseida Therapeutics, a deal that includes Poseida’s portfolio of CAR T-cell therapy candidates being developed for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other diseases. Poseida and Roche have been collaborating since 2022 on cell therapies for people with blood cancer. The companies…

High cholesterol linked to MS cognitive impairment in study

Higher cholesterol levels are associated with worse cognitive impairments in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a study reported. The findings imply that medications or lifestyle changes that reduce cholesterol levels may be useful for addressing MS cognitive impairment, researchers said. The study, “Lipid measures are associated…

FDA clears upgraded software to aid MRI analysis in MS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared an extended version of Neurophet Aqua, an MRI analysis software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to measure disease-related changes in brain scans. Earlier clearance enabled Neurophet‘s software to analyze brain atrophy using T1-weighed MRI scans in people with neurodegenerative conditions.

Therapy for immune tolerance in MS shows safety in early trial

LPX-TI641, Lapix Therapeutics‘ experimental oral therapy to restore immune system balance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases, was found safe and well tolerated at all doses tested in healthy adults. Thatā€™s according to top-line data from a Phase 1 trial (NCT05853835), which…

Nerve stimulation for bladder issues also can make sex more enjoyable

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), a nonsurgical treatment that delivers mild electrical impulses to a nerve in the ankle, significantly reduced bladder activity and improved sexual function for women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), according to a clinical trial. While PTNS is designed to modulate neural mechanisms involved in…

AI tool aims to accelerate clinical trial patient recruitment

An artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool called Muse aims to accelerate drug development by optimizing clinical trial patient recruitment. The tool, designed as part of a collaboration among Formation Bio, OpenAI, and Sanofi, is designed to be implemented across a range of areas. Sanofi will first put it…

NYU scientist recognized for work on MS cognitive impairments

Cognitive rehabilitation scientist Yael Goverover, PhD, has been recognized with the title of Fellow of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) for her contributions to research on multiple sclerosis (MS) and her efforts at advancing cognitive rehabilitation for people with the disease. Goverover’s work has focused on understanding…

EC slaps Teva with ā‚¬463M fine over misuse of Copaxone patents

The European Commission (EC) fined Teva Pharmaceuticals ā‚¬462.6 million ā€” more that $502 million ā€” after an investigation it launched found the company illegally tried to stop competitor versions of Copaxone (glatiramer acetate injection), its blockbuster drug for multiple sclerosis (MS), from entering markets. Several patents…

Brain blood vessels key to new MS treatments, researchers argue

Developing a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the brain, blood vessels, and the immune system holds great promise for unlocking new ways to treat neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), a team of researchers argued in a new commentary paper. ā€œInteractions between the brain, blood vessels, and…

DMTs have slowed RRMS disability progression rate: Analysis

The rate of disability progression among people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has slowed over the years due to advances in disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), according to a long-term analysis. Patients diagnosed in recent decades have experienced fewer progression events associated with relapses, called relapse-associated worsening (RAW), and also…

Researchers find sulfuretin molecule may promote myelin repair

Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University have discovered a plant-derived small molecule that can promote the growth of cells that produce myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers that’s damaged in multiple sclerosis (MS). The naturally occurring molecule, sulfuretin, blocks the activity of an enzyme that…

Cholesterol medications might be able to be repurposed for MS: Study

Increased production of cholesterol by stem cells in the brain contributes to neurological damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study conducted in lab-grown cells. Findings suggest cholesterol-lowering medications can reverse this damage, implying such treatments might be able to be repurposed for MS. ā€œCholesterol metabolism has…

Ancient viral genes in human DNA linked to MS in study

Abnormal activity of ancient viral genes may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological disorders, a study found. “Future functional studies are essential to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying their involvement in these conditions,” the researchers wrote. The study, “…