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

Europe Awaits Proposed New Framework for Sharing Health Data

The European Commission is expected to propose a new governing framework for health data next month, called the European Health Data Space (EHDS), with the aim of connecting national health systems to facilitate secure and efficient transfer of data across systems in different European nations. The move is expected to…

#ACTRIMS2022 – Blood Proteins May Help Predict Disease Course

Blood levels of two proteins, GFAP and neurofilament light chain (NfL), may help predict the course of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to new research. Findings also suggest that many NMOSD patients have evidence of brain lesions with active inflammation without any associated symptoms, which indicates that disease…

System Marking 4 Stages of NMOSD, by Astrocyte Damage, Proposed

A system that stages neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) based on damage to astrocytes — the specific brain cells that are attacked in NMOSD — was recently developed by a team of researchers in Japan. While more work is needed, the system identifies four stages, largely based on astrocytopathy…

Enspryng Approved for NMOSD in European Union

The European Commission has approved Enspryng (satralizumab) for the treatment of people, 12 and older, with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are positive for antibodies against the aquaporin-4 protein (AQP4-IgG). The approval covers Enspryng for use as a monotherapy (on its own) or in combination with other…

Roche Helps Bring NMOSD Patient Day to China

The Illness Challenge Foundation (ICF) sponsored the second annual Asia-Pacific NMOSD Patient Day in Beijing, China, to increase awareness and improve care for those living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The May 25 event brought together NMOSD patients, neurologists and other healthcare professionals, and representatives from a variety…

Uplizna Reduced Disability Progression in Patients During Trial

Treatment with Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) can reduce disability progression in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), findings from the N-MOmentum clinical trial show. The results were published in Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, in a study, “Disability Outcomes in the N-MOmentum Trial of Inebilizumab in Neuromyelitis…

#AANAM – Soliris Has Long-term Relapse Prevention

Soliris (eculizumab) significantly reduced the risk of disease relapses in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) over nearly three years, according to new data from the clinical trial PREVENT and its extension study. Additional findings project that long-term Soliris treatment may reduce relapse risk over the course of…

#ACTRIMS2021 – Expert Lectures About Available NMOSD Treatments

An improved understanding of the biological processes that drive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has led to treatment advancements in recent years. In a presentation at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum 2021, Sean Pittock, MD, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Center for…