Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Guidelines to aid diagnosis of NMOSD published

Experts in Germany have published recommendations to help clinicians diagnose neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and distinguish it from other disorders with similar symptoms. The guidelines were detailed in “Update on the diagnosis and treatment of [neuromyelitis] optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) – revised recommendations of the…

Ultomiris recommended for approval in Europe to treat NMOSD adults

A European Medicines Agency (EMA) committee has recommended that Ultomiris (ravulizumab) be approved to treat adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are positive for antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4). The recommendation, from the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), will now be reviewed by the European…

Uplizna reduces asymptomatic optic nerve lesions: Trial data

Uplizna (inebilizumab) reduces the formation of asymptomatic lesions in the nerves that connect the eyes to the brain in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to a new data analysis from the Phase 2/3 N-MOmentum trial. Asymptomatic, or subclinical, lesions are those that don’t lead to…

ACTRIMS 2023: NMOSD affects 3 times more women than men in US

The annual prevalence of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in the U.S. is considerably higher than previously estimated, affecting about nine out of every 100,000 people, according to a study that analyzed 2021 electronic health records. The data also showed that the disease is more than twice as common…

Increase in Double-stranded DNA Found in NMOSD Brain Fluid

Levels of double-stranded DNA — dubbed dsDNA — are elevated in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord of people with severe neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a small study suggests. These levels, which indicate cellular damage, may trigger more inflammation in NMOSD patients, potentially contributing to the…

Brain Volume Loss Found in Patients With NMOSD in Study

People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and related neurological conditions show reduced brain volume compared with individuals without such diseases, a new study highlights. The results indicate that rates of volume loss in the thalamus — a brain region that helps to relay motor and sensory signals —…

#ECTRIMS2022 – Uplizna Helps Reduce Disease-driving Antibodies

Treatment with Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) can reduce levels of antibodies that drive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), new clinical trial data show. The data also show that, among patients who aren’t on Uplizna, NMOSD attacks are often preceded by a sharp rise in levels of disease-driving antibodies and/or antibody-producing…