Lindsey Shapiro, PhD, science writer —

Pillartree Limited, a new subsidiary of Amgen, has struck a deal to acquire Horizon Therapeutics, which markets Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Last month, Horizon announced that it was in preliminary discussions about a potential sale to three pharmaceutical companies — Amgen,…

Researchers have identified a rare case of co-existing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and subacute combined degeneration (SCD) — two distinct disorders marked by nerve damage in the brain or spinal cord. The case highlights the possibility that NMOSD may be the underlying driver of the vitamin B12 deficiency…

Neutrophils, a set of immune cells, from people with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are resistant to certain forms of cell death, a study found. NMOSD patients also had increased blood levels of molecules that might help neutrophils resist cell death pathways. Similar findings weren’t observed…

In rare cases, people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) can experience low blood levels of neutrophils, a type of immune cell, a few weeks after receiving anti-CD20 therapy. Researchers have reported the case of a NMOSD patient who developed the uncommon side effect, called late-onset neutropenia, four…

The approved therapy Edaravone, used for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and stroke, may be a promising treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to a new study. The use of edaravone in NMOSD cell and mouse models promoted restoration of the myelin sheath — damaged in immune attacks…

Reaching a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) diagnosis in the absence of disease-causing antibodies requires careful attention from physicians in order to ensure timely treatment. That suggestion comes from a case report of a man in Nepal who had symptoms of the autoimmune disease but lacked the antibodies against…

Older age, diagnostic delays, and a greater disability at diagnosis were associated with a higher risk of developing permanent disability for people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) at a center in Mexico. “This information is required to design healthcare strategies to recognize and treat patients with NMOSD early…

Age, sex, and spinal lesions may be risk factors for developing pain due to nerve damage — called neuropathic pain — in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to a new study. Specifically, an older age at disease onset, female sex, and a greater number of lesions…

Women with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who received immunosuppressive treatment during pregnancy or were at least 32 years old when they conceived may be at a lower risk of pregnancy-associated relapses, a systematic review study has found. Data also showed the risk of relapse is highest in the…

Key players in B-cell signaling pathways and related inflammatory molecules were elevated in the blood of people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) compared with healthy people, a study found. The findings suggest that targeting this signaling pathway could show therapeutic promise in NMOSD, the researchers noted. The study,…