MS News That Caught My Eye Last Week: Orelabrutinib, MS Stress, Selma Blair
Biogen Strikes Deal for Orelabrutinib, Now in Phase 2 Trial
BTK inhibitors, such as orelabrutinib, are designed to selectively block the activity of an enzyme important for the activation of B-cells and microglia. Some of those cells drive the abnormal immune responses that attack the central nervous systems of people with MS. Researchers hope orelabrutinib, which is a capsule, will lower inflammation and slow progression of all MS forms. Biogen thinks the medication has enough potential to have paid $125 million to acquire marketing rights.
Biogen has signed a deal with InnoCare Pharma to acquire global commercialization and licensing rights to orelabrutinib, an experimental oral BTK inhibitor (BTKi) now being tested in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in a Phase 2 clinical trial.
Under the terms of the agreement, Biogen will have exclusive rights to the therapy in the field of MS worldwide and of certain autoimmune diseases outside of China (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), while InnoCare will retain the rights to it for certain autoimmune diseases in China.
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Actively ‘Coping’ With Daily Stress of MS Tied to Better Life Quality
Well, yeah. It seems pretty obvious to me that limiting stress can improve your life, even if you’re healthy. What interests me in this small survey, however, is the coping mechanisms people used, or didn’t use. Surprising, at least to me, is that religion and substance use were the least-used methods for coping.
Actively taking steps to cope with the chronic stress of multiple sclerosis (MS) — from keeping a sense of humor to seeking emotional and tangible support — can help to improve patients’ quality of life, a small questionnaire-based study from Poland suggests.
The study, “The Role of Stress Perception and Coping with Stress and the Quality of Life Among Multiple Sclerosis Patients,” was published in the journal Psychology Research and Behavior Management.
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Selma Blair to Open Summit for Young Adults With Chronic, Rare Diseases
Some see this as an attempt by Selma Blair to get more publicity for herself. Others think this appearance by the actress, who has been treated for MS, will help young people with chronic diseases deal with them better. What do you think?
Selma Blair, the TV and film actor who is also a multiple sclerosis (MS) advocate, will headline next month’s second International Virtual Summit for young adults with chronic and rare disorders.
Hosted by Health Advocacy Summit (HAS), the Aug. 7-8 event will focus on empowerment, resources, and connection. The event is free for young adults with a chronic or rare disease, and $25 (plus handling fees) for the general public; go here to register.
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Comments
Laurie N. Lee
I think it is great that Selma Blair is becoming active for young people with chronic and rare diseases. Anyone who would criticize her activism is a toad. Public figures really can make a difference and have resources and influence to do so. Good for you, Selma!
Zhanna Tarasiuk
I express my deep gratitude to you for your work in spreading knowledge about multiple sclerosis and the opportunity to receive the latest information in this area, for presenting complex scientific articles in an accessible language, for your concern for the future of that part of the population of countries where this information and treatment remains practically unavailable, but your articles help navigate this channel and promote it in poor countries. With great respect, your regular reader from Belarus
Ed Tobias
Thank you very much, Zhanna. I'm very pleased that you think what I write is useful to you. I'll continue to do my best.
Ed