News

Signaling molecules impair growth of myelin-making brain cells

Pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that have been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) cause problems with the growth and development of myelin-making cells in the brain, according to a study done in cell models. The findings may have implications for treating MS, as promoting the growth of myelin-making cells could be…

Antihistamine clemastine may worsen MS disease progression

Clemastine fumarate, an antihistamine, boosted disease progression by more than five times in adults with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), according to data from a Phase 1/2 trial. “Likely nobody in the MS field, us included, knew about this potential [clemastine] toxicity until we collected the data presented here,” the…

Walk in New York opens to aid access to advanced mobility devices

Wandercraft has launched Walk in New York, a new rehabilitation center that offers access to its advanced mobility devices for people with severe walking impairments, including those with multiple sclerosis (MS). The center provides sessions with neurological rehabilitation therapists and walking sessions with its robotic exoskeleton,…

Cognitive symptoms, mood disorders vary with MS subtype

Cognitive symptoms, mood disorders, and fatigue manifest differently in relapsing-remitting and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a study found. “[O]ur results indicate that the subtype of MS is associated with … specific kinds of cognitive deficits, suggesting the need for subtype-specific therapeutic interventions,” the France-based research team…

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…

Demographic, disease factors linked to MS progression risk

Factors including being male, smoking, and having more frequent relapses are linked to significantly increased risk of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a meta-analysis of several published studies. Other variables linked to disease progression included disability score and the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). “Hence,…

Quantum inks agreement to prep filing for Lucid-MS Phase 2 trial

Quantum Biopharma has signed an agreement with a global pharmaceutical contract research organization to continue advancing Lucid-21-302, its experimental therapy for promoting myelin repair with multiple sclerosis (MS). The collaboration will help the company put together an investigational new drug (IND) application for the therapy, which is also…

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…

At-home neural stimulation lowers cannabis withdrawal in MS women

Supervised, noninvasive at-home neural stimulation helped women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and cannabis use disorder (CUD) decrease their cannabis intake and reduce withdrawal, a study suggests. Overall symptoms of MS also tended to ease with four weeks of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus mindfulness training. “This pilot [randomized…

Tysabri safe as treatment for MS during pregnancy, breastfeeding

Tysabri (natalizumab), an approved treatment for forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), can be safely used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, a study showed. “The findings of our observational study offer … relevant insight into the safety profile of [Tysabri] therapy not only during pregnancy but also during breastfeeding,”…

Non-drug interventions may improve sleep for MS patients

Non-pharmacological interventions such as mindfulness and exercise may improve sleep for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) while boosting overall psychological well-being and quality of life, according to a meta-analysis of several studies. While the studies were very different from each other, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions, the…

United Healthcare approves reimbursement for MS PoNS device

United Healthcare will reimburse the cost of the PoNS device, which uses electrical stimulation to improve walking, for its insured members with multiple sclerosis (MS). The reimbursement covers $18,100 for the device and its controller, including patient copayment. This represents the device’s approximate list price adjusted for…

Number of mitochondrial DNA copies tied to disease progression

As multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses, the disease may reduce the number of mitochondrial DNA copies, suggesting the number of copies could serve as a biomarker for disease progression and response to treatment. That’s according to a genetic study involving data from thousands of patients of European ancestry. Mitochondria are…