News

Ocrevus, fampridine improve walking ability in MS: Review

Fampridine, which is approved to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and the disease-modifying therapy Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) seem to have the greatest benefits on MS walking abilities, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment options. The data align with previous findings for fampridine, which…

Tysabri may reduce risk of disability progression in SPMS: Analysis

Treatment with Tysabri (natalizumab) may help delay disability progression in people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) over Rebif (interferon beta-1a), an analysis of data from two clinical trials suggests. While the trials initially failed to demonstrate slowing disease progression, a significant benefit was observed when accounting…

Secondary contaminants from PCBs linked to higher MS risk in study

A group of manufactured chemicals called hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls, or OH-PCBs, which persist in the environment despite a ban on production, are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study. In turn, another family of compounds highly resistant to environmental breakdown, called…

PIRA linked to worse quality of life in early RRMS patients

Disability progression independent of relapse activity, or PIRA, in the earliest stages of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is associated with worsening quality of life, a study in Sweden shows. PIRA is a form of sustained disability worsening that occurs in the absence of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. While…

Deescalating DMTs increases risk of disease activity in RRMS

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who switch from a high- to a moderate-efficacy disease-modifying therapy (DMT) increase their risk of disease activity, especially younger adults and those having inflammatory disease activity before a switch, a study finds. Knowing these factors “can help guide future studies on deescalation,” researchers…

ACTRIMS 2025: Combining risk scores may accurately predict MS

A new model that combines genetic and symptom-based risk scores to predict the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) could help to accelerate the disease’s diagnosis, and allow patients to receive earlier treatment, a team of U.S. researchers noted in a study. In a presentation detailing this work at this…

Experiences, empowerment are focus of MS Awareness Month 2025

A neurodegenerative disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated to affect more than 1.8 million people worldwide — across all ages, races, sexes, and geographical regions. During Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month this March, patients, caregivers, and other advocates are coming together to provide opportunities to connect, educate, inspire, empower, and…