MS News that Caught My Eye Last Week: Cancer Medication Slows MS, Vitamin D and Myelin, Targeting ‘Helper’ T-cells, Vaccination Guidelines

Ofatumumab Better at Easing Relapse Rates and Slowing MS Progression Than Aubagio, Phase 3 Data Show

Ofatumumab isn’t approved as a multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. It’s a cancer medication that’s marketed as Arzerra. But in two clinical trials reported here, it did better than Aubagio at treating MS. Its maker, Novartis, plans to seek approval of ofatumumab as an MS medication by the end of the year.

Monthly injections of ofatumumab led to more clinically meaningful reductions in relapse rates and delayed disability progression than did daily treatment with Aubagio (teriflunomide) tablets in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), results from two Phase 3 trials showed.

Ofatumumab, formerly known as OMB157, is a potent, self-administered monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 protein marker on immune B-cells to cause their depletion. Under the brand name Arzerra, ofatumumab is an approved infusion treatment for adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a blood cancer that typically develops in B-cells.

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Higher Vitamin D Levels May Promote ‘Myelin Integrity’ in Progressive MS, Study Suggests

I’ve been taking a daily vitamin D supplement for years, with the approval of my neurologist. This study indicates that it’s probably been a good thing for me.

Higher levels of vitamin D in the blood may help to protect the myelin sheath, slowing damage to nerve cells in people with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a brain imaging study reports.

The study, “Vitamin D and MRI measures in progressive multiple sclerosis,” was published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

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Targeting Inflammatory Th17 Cells to Slow MS Disability Possible with Fewer Side Effects, Study Suggests

The latest disease-modifying therapies that are designed to slow or halt MS progression target specific B-cells and T-cells in our immune system. This study looks into targeting a “helper” T-cell that researchers believe plays a role in controlling inflammation. But here’s my usual warning: It’s a mouse study, so it’s interesting to consider, but don’t hold your breath waiting for an actual treatment.

Scientists may have found a way to manipulate T-helper 17 (Th17) cells so as to lower their ability to trigger inflammation, delaying the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a mouse model and slowing its progression without affecting the entire immune system.

Their findings may lead to new treatments with fewer side effects for MS and other Th17-driven autoimmune diseases.

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New AAN Guidelines Favor Regular Vaccinations, Including Flu Shots, for MS Patients

As the Northern Hemisphere moves into fall, the question of whether or not to get a flu shot always comes up. “Yes,” says the American Academy of Neurology. The academy’s revised guidelines also say “yes” for other vaccinations.

New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recommend that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) keep up with regular vaccinations, including annual flu shots, but be sure to first advise their doctor on medications they are using.

The guidelines were published in the journal Neurology, in the report “Practice guideline update summary: Vaccine-preventable infections and immunization in multiple sclerosis.”

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