A number of important discoveries, therapeutic developments, and events related to multiple sclerosis (MS) were reported daily by Multiple Sclerosis News Today throughout 2016. Now that the year is over, it is time to briefly review the articles that appealed most to our readers. Here are the top 10 most-read articles of 2016, with a brief description of what made them interesting and relevant to MS patients, family members, and caregivers.
No. 10 – Neurologists Anticipate FDA Approval of Ocrevus as 1st Progressive MS Treatment, Survey Finds
This article reported that many neurologists in the U.S. expect that Roche’s Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) will be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for patients with relapsing and progressive MS. Results from three Phase 3 clinical trials (ORATORIO, OPERA I and OPERA II) have shown that treatment with Ocrevus significantly reduced clinical disease progression and the number of relapses. Many neurologists said in a quarterly report that they intend to start prescribing Ocrevus as soon as it reaches the market.
No. 9 – Endece Granted New U.S. Patent for NDC-1308, Therapy to Induce Remyelination in MS
Endece patented its product NDC-1308, an investigational therapy designed to induce remyelination in MS and thus prevent further neuronal damage and disease progression. Preclinical studies showed that NDC-1308 could successfully cross the blood-brain barrier, entering the central nervous system. The patent specifically covers the potential remyelinating effects of this drug in the brain and spinal cord.
No. 8 – Doctors Study Possible Link Between Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera) and Shingles
This article reported the case of a 40-year-old female patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who developed shingles while receiving treatment with Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate). This occurrence led doctors to wonder whether this MS drug could reactivate the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox and the appearance of shingles in the skin. Previous clinical trials with Tecfidera had not reported an increased risk for shingles, but the risk increases with age, as the immune system weakens. More studies are warranted to understand the mechanism of action of this drug and a possible relationship with the development of shingles.
No. 7 – Individual with PPMS Shares His Experience of Undergoing Stem Cell Therapy