News

The amount of sugar in the brain plays a key role in governing the activity of oligodendrocytes, the brain cells responsible for making the protective myelin coating around nerve fibers, according to a study done in mice and cell models. The findings could have important implications for understanding diseases…

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), delivered in person, online, or by telephone, can ease depression in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) within about two months, but diminishing benefits over time show that follow-up sessions may be needed, according to a meta-analysis of multiple studies. “This recommendation aims to serve as…

Eating greater amounts of ultra-processed foods is significantly linked to a higher likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in childhood or adolescence, a new study that used data from Canada and the U.S. has found. In fact, according to the researchers, each additional 10% consumption of such foods —…

May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Canada, and MS Canada is preparing a range of initiatives that let Canadians show support and raise awareness for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The awareness month represents an opportunity to increase understanding of the neurological disease, highlight the realities of…

Among people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and highly active disease, Mavenclad (cladribine) treatment resulted in stable or better cognitive function over two years. That’s according to new data from the Phase 4 CLARIFY-MS study (NCT03369665), which also demonstrated that Mavenclad can stabilize employment status for…

National Football League player Fernando Mendoza and his family are partnering with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to fund research and support programs for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Mendoza Family Fund builds on the efforts of Mendoza and his family to raise funds and…

Medthera has launched WalkPort, a supported walking station designed to help people with mobility difficulties, including those with multiple sclerosis (MS), safely stand and practice walking at home and in clinical settings. The device is now open for reservations, with initial shipments expected to start in August,…

Brain inflammation is often viewed as harmful in neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), but a new animal study suggests that certain short-lived forms of inflammation may be needed to help the brain repair myelin. This finding may have important implications for understanding the biology of MS…

Regulators in the European Union are recommendeding that tolebrutinib be approved as a treatment for people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) who have not experienced a relapse in the last two years. That new positive opinion was issued by the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products…

Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) delayed disability progression and worsening hand function among a large group of people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), including those who were older and had more advanced disease. The data, which come from the Phase 3 ORATORIO-HAND trial (NCT04035005), were presented by Jiwon Oh,…

The experimental drug fenebrutinib was shown to significantly outperform Aubagio (teriflunomide), an approved therapy, in reducing relapses and MRI markers of disease activity in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). That’s according to new data from a pair of largely identical Phase 3 clinical trials…

A team of scientists in China, attempting to understand the function of a genetic mutation commonly found in animals living at high altitudes, discovered a previously unknown mechanism key to myelin repair. The discovery could have important implications for diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), which is marked…

Mapi Pharma’s long-acting formulation of glatiramer acetate, GA Depot, may help stabilize disability scores over time in people with both relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). That’s according to new analyses of data from an…

Medicaid coverage of highly effective disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) varies across the U.S., with some states offering no access at all, a study reported. The research suggests that where a person lives could influence whether they receive high-efficacy therapies, which are known to better control…

A new method called target trial emulation (TTE) used real-world data to successfully replicate the findings of a previous clinical trial of Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) involving people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), according to a study report. The approach also generated new evidence showing that Tecfidera outperformed glatiramer…

Real-world use of Octave Bioscience’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered blood test for classifying multiple sclerosis (MS) activity has increased substantially in the few years since its commercial U.S. launch. In clinical practice, the multiple sclerosis disease activity (MSDA) test has mainly been used for routine monitoring, with additional uses…

First-line treatment with Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) preserved walking abilities and hand function in most people with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) over six years, according to data from a Phase 3b clinical trial and its extension study. The findings were presented in a talk by Robert Bermel, MD, of…

Patient enrollment is complete in a Phase 3 trial testing a new formulation of Briumvi (ublituximab-xiiy), TG Therapeutics‘ multiple sclerosis (MS) medication for relapsing forms of the disease, that could be injected at home. The new formulation is designed to be given under the skin, or subcutaneously, every…

In multiple sclerosis (MS), mindfulness may increase the time a patient spends asleep while in bed, but physical activity appears to have small and inconsistent benefits on sleep. That’s according to a meta-analysis of five published studies that looked at the impact of interventions designed to improve sleep among…

A new formulation — a film that dissolves under the tongue — of cladribine for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) has moved closer to clinical testing, according to an update from its developer. Bionxt Solutions announced that it has completed manufacturing of a clinical-grade batch of BNT23001, its…

Using disease-modifying treatments shortly prior to or during pregnancy does not seem to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in exposed children, according to a real-world study of mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS). Still, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators, which include therapies such as Gilenya (fingolimod), Mayzent…

A blood test being developed by Roche to measure a marker of nerve cell damage has received CE mark approval for the detection of neuroinflammation in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Called Elecsys Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL), the test is designed to measure NfL levels, which are…

People with diabetes are significantly more likely — with nearly 60% higher odds — to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) than those without the metabolic disease, which is marked by high blood sugar levels, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis. A significant association was also observed specifically between…

The portable neuromodulation stimulator (PoNS), a noninvasive device that’s approved to improve walking and balance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), has been acquired by Bioness Medical. The device was originally developed by Helius Medical Technologies, which rebranded to Solana in September of last year as…

Physical exercise may help reduce inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) by changing the activity of immune T-cells, a new study reports. Findings suggest this effect may depend in part on signaling through the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to other organs and helps regulate automatic bodily functions.

Urinary issues are a frequent and distressing reality for women with multiple sclerosis (MS), and new research suggests these symptoms may diminish quality of life, specifically by fueling feelings of loneliness. While the physical burden of bladder dysfunction is well-documented, this study highlights a critical emotional link, suggesting that…

The first participant has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial testing TNV262, an experimental therapy that Tenvie Therapeutics is developing as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other conditions including obesity and cardiovascular disease. The Phase 1a/1b study will test single and multiple doses…

While doctors and specialists view “high-quality” multiple sclerosis (MS) care through the lens of effective treatments and faster diagnosis, patients have a different priority: being heard, according to a recent study. Researchers interviewed a range of specialists and patients to bridge the gap in how these groups define excellence…

A history of infectious mononucleosis, often called “mono,” more than triples the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study. While scientists have long suspected a link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and MS, these findings provide evidence that a documented case of mono serves…

Exposure to higher levels of ground-level ozone may significantly increase the risk that children and teens will develop multiple sclerosis (MS), a new Italian study suggests. Researchers found that for every unit increase in ozone levels in the three years preceding the first MS symptoms, the likelihood of…