March 6, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – Game-like Smartphone App Used to Test Neurological Disability in MS In the time necessary to perform a standard multiple sclerosisĀ (MS) functional exam, gamified tests on a smartphone app provide much richer and reliable measurements of several distinct neurological functions, according to new data. These findings suggest that creatively-constructed smartphone apps may one day recreate entire neurological exams.
March 6, 2019 News by Patricia Inacio, PhD #ACTRIMS2019 – Women Lack Guidance About Pregnancy After MS Diagnosis, Survey Says Women diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) say they lack guidance regarding family planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, according to a survey. Sixteen percent of those women also reported they didnāt become pregnant due to MS-related concerns. Casey E. Engel, Ā clinical researcher at Weill Cornell Medical CollegeĀ in New York, Ā presented the…
March 5, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – Botox Earns High Marks from Patients, Physicians as Treatment for Spasticity, ASPIRE Follow-up Finds Patients with a range of diseases and disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), report high satisfaction with botulinum toxin ā also known as BotoxĀ (onabotulinumtoxinA) ā as a treatment for spasticity, results from the ASPIRE clinical trial show. The data were presented last week byĀ Daniel S. Bandari,…
March 5, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – Stem Cell Tourism Poses Threat of Complications for Patients, First US Neurologist Survey Says Academic neurologists are seeing many patients with neurological diseases interested in or receiving unapproved stem cell-based treatments, sometimes with negative health and/or financial consequences, according to a U.S. survey of neurologists. The data were reported byĀ Wijdan Rai, MD, from Ohio State University in aĀ poster titled āComplications of Stem Cell…
March 5, 2019 News by Patricia Inacio, PhD #ACTRIMS2019 – TG Therapeutics’ Investigational Therapy Ublituximab Posts Positive Data in MS Phase 2 Clinical Trial Full results of a Phase 2 clinical trial testing TG Therapeuticsā lead candidate ublituximab (TG-1101) for relapsingĀ multiple sclerosisĀ (MS) showed that treatment for 48 weeks resulted in a marked reduction of brain and spinal cord lesions, an almost complete depletion of relapse-associated immune B-cells, and significantly halted disability…
March 5, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – Bacterial Epsilon Toxin Found in MS Patients Triggers MS Disease Features in Rodents The levels of epsilon toxin are increased in multiple sclerosisĀ (MS) patients, and its presence in laboratory rodents replicated some aspects of disease activity, according to data presented at the 4thĀ AnnualĀ Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum. The researchers suggested that the epsilon…
March 4, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – Cerebrospinal Fluid, Meninges Inflammation Profile Can Stratify MS Patients A method based on cerebrospinal fluid measurements and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can aid in stratifying patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the time of diagnosis, which may help identify a tailored therapeutic approach for each patient from early disease stages. The data was presented by Roberta Magliozzi, from…
March 4, 2019 News by Patricia Inacio, PhD #ACTRIMS2019 – Evobrutinib Significantly Reduces Brain Lesions in Relapsing MS, Phase 2 Trial Shows Evobrutinib, Merck KGaAās oral candidate for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), is safe and can significantly reduce active brain lesions overĀ 24 weeks of treatment, results of ongoing Phase 2 study show. Xavier Montalban, PhD, MD, withĀ Vall d’Hebron University HospitalĀ in Barcelona, presented the results in the talk āPrimary…
March 4, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – Two MRI Biomarkers Can Potentially Distinguish RIS from Other Disorders Two new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers ā called central vein sign and paramagnetic rim sign ā could be useful for differentiating true radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) patients from those with mimicking features, new research shows. The findings were presented at theĀ Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple…
March 4, 2019 News by BioNews Staff #ACTRIMS2019 ā Jeffrey Cohen, MD, is New President of ACTRIMS Jeffrey Cohen, MD, director of the experimental therapeutics program at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and ResearchĀ at the Cleveland Clinic, is the newly named Ā president of ACTRIMS, the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. Cohen’s appointment concluded the 2019 ACTRIMS ForumĀ that ran…
March 4, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – Asthma More Common in MS Patients Than Public at Large, Study Finds Asthma is significantly more common among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population, a new study shows. The increased prevalence was especially evident in younger and elderly MS patients, regardless of race or sex. The study was presented at ACTRIMS 2019,Ā theĀ Americas…
March 1, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 ā Health-related Quality of Life in MS Patients Linked to Comorbidities There is a need for better diagnosis and treatment management of comorbidities ā simultaneously occurring disorders ā in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), as shown by the impact these additional health issues have on patientsā health-related quality of life, according to a new report. The data was presented by Lara…
March 1, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 ā Use of Ocrevus at Cleveland Clinic Backs Phase 3 Trial Data Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) was shown to be aĀ highly effective therapy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in real-world clinical practice, according to Brandon Moss, MD, from theĀ Cleveland Clinic. The data was presented in a poster session Feb. 28, atĀ the Americas Committee…
March 1, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – Leukocyte Telomere Length Shortening is Predictive of Disability Progression in MS, Study Shows As the protective molecular caps of our genetic information ā called telomeres ā become shorter in certain immune cells, the extent of multiple sclerosisĀ (MS) disability progression increases, regardless of age, researchers at theĀ University of California, San FranciscoĀ (UCSF) reported. The findings were presented at the annual…
March 1, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – RRMS Conversion to SPMS Is Preceded by Spinal Cord Atrophy The rate of spinal cord tissue loss is a strong indicator of conversion fromĀ relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)Ā to secondary progressive MS (SPMS), according to a finding presented at theĀ fourth annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2019. The forum…
February 28, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein #ACTRIMS2019 – No Evidence of Disease Activity Seen in POMS Adolescents Taking Rituximab, Small Study Shows Data supporting the off-label use of rituximab in adolescents with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) was presented atĀ the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2019. The session, titledĀ āNo Evidence of Disease Activity in the Majority of Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis Patients Receiving Rituximab,ā…
February 28, 2019 News by Santiago Gisler Axim Improves Delivery of Cannabinoids in Chewing Gums Axim Biotechnologies announced that it has succeeded in microencapsulating cannabinoids (chemical compounds in cannabis) into the companyās patented chewing gums, which are used to treat several disease symptoms, including pain and spasticity associated withĀ multiple sclerosis (MS). Since the active cannabinoids are degradable in the body, the company needed…
February 28, 2019 News by Alice MelĆ£o, MSc National MS Society Grants $50,000 to Kessler Researchers to Study Processing Speed in MS Kessler Foundation researchers Ekaterina Dobryakova, PhD, and Pei-Pei Liu, PhD, have been awarded a $50,000 grant by the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society to studyĀ the speed at which MS patients processĀ information during social interactions. A better understanding of how MS affects the way a person learns from others’…
February 27, 2019 News by Joana Carvalho, PhD Low Socioeconomic, Education Levels Linked to Higher Disability and Disease Progression in MS, Study Says Low income and education levels are linked to a higher risk of physical disability and disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), study says. The study with that finding, “Socioeconomic status and disability progression in multiple sclerosis,” was published in the journalĀ Neurology. “This study is the…
February 27, 2019 News by Alice MelĆ£o, MSc FDA Will Review New Drug Application of Diroximel Fumarate for Relapsing Forms of MS The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to review Alkermesā request to approve diroximel fumarate (BIIB098) as a treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), the company announced. A final decision by the FDA is expected in the fourth quarter of 2019. If approved, diroximel…
February 26, 2019 News by Iqra Mumal, MSc Switching from Tysabri to Aubagio Can Help Lower Relapse Risk in MS Patients, Phase 4 Trial Shows Stable patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who transition from Tysabri (natalizumab) treatment toĀ Aubagio (teriflunomide) have a lower relapse risk, a new study shows. The study, āReducing return of disease activity in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis transitioned from natalizumab to teriflunomide: 12-month interim results of teriflunomide therapy,ā…
February 26, 2019 News by Santiago Gisler Cleveland Clinic Chosen for Phase 2 Trial Testing NurOwn Stem Cell Therapy in Progressive MS Patients BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics announced theĀ Cleveland ClinicĀ is the first clinical site contracted in the United States for the Phase 2 multi-center study evaluating the companyās NurOwn mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). āWe are very excited to announce The Mellen Center for…
February 25, 2019 News by Alberto Molano, PhD Study Indicates Possible Correlation Between Nutritional Status, MS Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients eat a more limited diet, with a lower average of 31 nutrients, including zinc, thiamin, and iron, when compared with healthy controls, a study shows. Blood tests also showed that MS patients had significantly lower iron levels, a different fatty acid composition in their red blood…
February 25, 2019 News by Patricia Inacio, PhD Podocalyxin Helps Protect Blood-brain Barrier During Inflammation, Mouse Study Shows Podocalyxin, a protein found in cells lining the interior of blood vessels, is key for maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in mice with systemic infection, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a study shows. Disruption of the…
February 22, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein Aubagio, Tecfidera Show Comparable Effectiveness in Relapsing MS, Real-world Phase 4 Trial Finds Aubagio (teriflunomide)Ā seems to be superior to Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)Ā in slowingĀ whole brain shrinkage in patients withĀ relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), a new Phase 4 clinical trial shows. However, Aubagio and Tecfidera have similar beneficial effects in achieving other clinical goals and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters,…
February 22, 2019 News by Iqra Mumal, MSc New Compounds Offer Significant Anti-inflammatory, Neuroprotective Benefits in MS Mouse Study Two newly identified variants of the known pharmaceutical agent chloroindazole showed significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, a new study shows. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with no known cause or cure. Patients with MS characteristically show loss of the myelin sheath, a protective coat in nerve cells that helps increase cell-to-cell signaling. Several studies have suggested that estrogens ā a type of hormone ā are beneficial to the functioning of the central nervous system, and help regulate the immune system. Thus, they are attractive candidates for the treatment of MS. However, despite their potential to treat MS, estrogen-based therapies can have several undesirable side effects, such as feminizing male recipients and increasing the risk of developing breast and endometrial cancers in females. Interestingly, estrogens work by binding and activating two different types of receptors: the estrogen receptor (ER)Ī± and ERĪ². The cancer-inducing effects of estrogens are mediated mainly through estrogen receptor ERĪ±. Hence, therapies that specifically target ERĪ² can bypass these deleterious effects. Chloroindazole (IndCl), a pharmaceutical agent, has up to 100-fold relative binding affinity for ERĪ² over ERĪ±. IndCl has been shown previously to have beneficial effects on modulating the immune system and the central nervous system, and inducing myelination of nerve cells in mouse models of MS. Furthermore, IndCl and other ERĪ²-activating agents directly support the growth, differentiation (maturation), and overall myelination activity of oligodendrocytes, which are the nerve cells that produce the myelin sheath. Therefore, in order to optimize the benefits of IndCl, researchers developed and screened seven novel IndCl analogues for their ability to promote oligodendrocyte survival, growth, and differentiation. These analogues have a molecular structure closely similar to that of IndCl, but interact with estrogen receptors in subtly different ways. Among these seven compounds, researchers found two analogues ā IndCl-o-chloro and IndCl-o-methyl ā that stimulated growth and differentiation similar to the original IndCl. Next, researchers evaluated the benefits of these compounds in a mouse model of MS ā the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model ā to determine whether they could alter the disease course, white matter pathology (level of demyelination), and inflammation. Results indicated that both compounds āameliorated disease severity, increased mature OLs [oligodendrocytes], and improved overall myelination in the corpus callosum and white matter tracts of the spinal cord,ā researchers wrote. Corpus callosum is a thick band of nerves that connect the left and right side of the brain. White matter tracts connect the cortex (the largest part of the brain) with other areas in the central nervous system. These beneficial effects were accompanied by a reduced production of the toxic, inflammatory molecules interferon-Ī³ and CXCL10. Additionally, IndCl-o-methyl also reduced the levels of peripheral interleukin (IL)-17, a molecule that strongly induces inflammation. Furthermore, IndCl and both analogues upregulated the expression of a compound called CXCL1, which is associated with increased production of oligodendrocytes. Not only were these two newly identified compounds equivalent to IndCl, but the two analogues performed better in reducing disability and encouraging remyelination than the original compound, and without any obvious side effects. āTheĀ o-Methyl andĀ o-Chloro IndCl analogues represent a class of ERĪ² ligands that offer significant remyelination and neuroprotection, as well as modulation of the immune system; hence, they appear appropriate to consider further for therapeutic development in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases,ā the researchers concluded. āWe believe we created a drug that does two things really well, modulating inflammation and allowing axon remyelination. No other drug on the market can do these two things simultaneously,ā Seema K. Tiwari-Woodruff, said in a press releaseĀ written by Stacy Kish. Tiwari-Woodruff is the study's lead author. āThe most amazing part of the study is that these new analogues of a known estrogen modulator, chloroindazole, are superior in treating mouse model of multiple sclerosis,ā she added. The team has patented the analogues, and hopes to begin further pharmacological and toxicity studies soon.
February 21, 2019 News by Vijaya Iyer, PhD FDA Warns Against Plasma Transfusions from Young Donors Being Used to Treat MS and Other Diseases The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against the use of plasma transfusions from young donors toĀ alleviate or treat the symptoms ofĀ multiple sclerosisĀ or other diseases, noting such transfusionsĀ have no proven clinical benefitĀ and carry known health risks associated with their use. Plasma is the liquid component of blood, containing proteins that help in clotting, and can be used to treat bleeding disorders and cases of trauma. But its use inĀ transfusions as a means of treating conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis, dementia, Alzheimerās,Ā Parkinsonās, heart disease and post-traumatic stress disorder are of concern, the FDA said in issuing itsĀ statement of Feb 19. "We have significant public health concerns about the promotion and use of plasma for these purposes," the FDA statement reads. "[W]eāre alerting consumers and health care providers that treatments using plasma from young donors have not gone through the rigorous testing ā¦ [necessary] to confirm the therapeutic benefit of a product and to ensure its safety." Scott Gottlieb, theĀ FDA's commissioner, and Peter Marks, director of its Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, jointly issued the statement cautioning healthcare providers and the public that plasma infusions ā being done at "a growing number of clinics" in several U.S. states ā are not an FDA-approved or recognized treatment for aging, memory loss, multiple sclerosis, or other diseases. FDA-approved treatments largely come through clinical trials overseen by researchers and independent boards, and performed under anĀ investigational new drug (IND) applicationĀ that helps to ensure patient safety. āOur concerns regarding treatments using plasma from young donors are heightened by the fact that there is no compelling clinical evidence on its efficacy, nor is there information on appropriate dosing for treatment of the conditions for which these products are being advertised,ā theĀ statement notes. According to the FDA, large volumes of plasma might be also be needed for such transfusions and that volume can pose significant risks, including allergic reactions, infections, and heart and respiratory problems. The agency also expressed concern that such transfusions could discourage patients from taking medications or other treatments known to be safe and effective for their condition. According to the agency, some "establishments" across the country are recommendingĀ young donor plasma infusions and "touting" them "as cures and remedies," while sometimes "charging thousands of dollars." The FDA advises patients to consult with their treating physician before opting for any treatment to confirm that it is approved for use, meaning its safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated. āSimply put, weāre concerned that some patients are being preyed upon by unscrupulous actors touting treatments of plasma from young donors,ā the FDA statement reads. It also asks that patients who have undergone a plasma transfusion report any ill effects to its MedWatch program, which tracks adverse events related to treatments.
February 21, 2019 News by Joana Carvalho, PhD In Creating ‘Immune Cell Atlas of Brain,’ Scientists Find Microglia Highly Complex in Behavior and Role In mapping the immune system of the brain in mice and humans, scientists in Germany found that microgliaĀ ā a type of nerve cell located in the central nervous system and responsible for supporting and protecting neuronsĀ ā share the same core design, but behave differently depending on the specific function each…
February 20, 2019 News by Patricia Inacio, PhD Early Use of High-efficacy DMTs of Long-term Benefit to MS Patients, Real-world Study Reports Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients given intensive disease-modifying therapies early in their disease course have more favorable long-term outcomes than those treated with an escalating regimen, real-world data shows. The study, āClinical Outcomes of Escalation vs Early Intensive Disease-Modifying Therapy in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis,ā was published in the journalĀ …
February 20, 2019 News by Jonathan Grinstein Vitamin B12, Folic Acid Supplements Yield Multiple Benefits for MS Patients Vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid) supplements can lower levels of homocysteine (a common amino acid), improve anemia status, and boost self-reported physical health in patients withĀ multiple sclerosis, according to new research. The study suggestsĀ a potential role for these two vitamins in improving the quality of life of MS patients. Despite treatment, MS patients often experience symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. Many patients have turned to dietary supplements with the hope they would reduce the severity of their symptoms. There is substantial literature suggesting the benefits of various supplements for MS, including vitamin B12 and folic acid. Homocysteine, of which high levels are associated with heart disease and detrimental effects in the nervous system, can be more prevalent in MS patients compared to healthy individuals. That suggests homocysteine is "one of the causative factors in the pathogenesis [development] of MS," researchers wrote. Lack of vitamin B12 ā naturally found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products ā can lead to a disruption in myelination, the process of forming a protective myelin coat around nerve cells. The loss of myelin is a hallmark of MS. A lack of folic acid, together with too little vitamin B12, has been linked to neurological symptom onset in MS patients. Meanwhile, vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements have shown promising results among these patients. In addition, MS patients are known to have an increased risk for the development of megaloblastic anemia ā a condition in which the bone marrow produces unusually large, immature red blood cells referred to as megaloblasts. TheĀ most common causes ofĀ megaloblastic anemia are a deficiency of either vitamin B12Ā or folic acid. Based on these observations,Ā researchers from Urmia University of Medical Sciences and Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, in Iran, studied the effects ofĀ vitamin B12Ā and folic acid supplements inĀ Ā relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)Ā patients. The team looked specifically at serum homocysteine levels, anemia status, and quality of life. This double-blinded clinical trial (IRCT2015100313678N7) enrolled 50 RRMS patients (age 20-40 years), who were divided into two groups:Ā the vitamin group, which received three doses of 1 mg vitamin B12 injection (spaced a month apart) plus 5 mg folic acid tablets daily; and theĀ placebo group, which receivedĀ neutral saline injections. All participants completed two quality-of-life questionnaires, one geared toward physical health and the other toward mental health, at the start and end of the study. Blood samples were collected from all participants, and blood pressure readings were taken. Results showed a drop in average homocysteine blood serum levels in the vitamin group, which may be indicative of an improvement in nervous system health.Ā Researchers also observed a decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in the vitamin group, which is indicative of improved anemia status. At the end of the study the vitamin group showed improvements in both physical and mental fields in the quality-of-life questionnaires. However, RRMS patients in the control group (without vitamin supplements) also had an increase in the quality-of-life questionnaire for mental health, obscuring any conclusions on the effect of vitamin supplements in MS patientsā mental health. āResults of the present study have shown that homocysteine levels, anemia status, and eventually the quality of life of patients with MS can be significantly improved by administration of 1 mg of vitamin B12 monthly and adding rich-food sources of folic acid on their diet,ā the researchers wrote. The team nonetheless emphasizes that "further studies in the field of MS dietary patterns must be conducted."