Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

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 —…

Among people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who started treatment with Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) in a clinical trial, an early and strong reduction in B-cell counts was associated with a quicker decline in disease activity. This report comes from an analysis of data from the Phase 2/3…

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…

A signaling molecule called CXCL7 drives inflammation and nerve fiber damage in a mouse model of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a new study reports. The findings show that this signaling molecule “is a key factor in the formation of lesions in the brain, spinal cord, and retina,” the…

Rituximab may be effective for improving functionality in children with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) or other inflammatory neurological disorders, though more research is needed to identify optimal treatment regimens, a new study reports. “Efficacy of [rituximab] in specific indications and good tolerance are confirmed in pediatric neurology.

Optic nerve fiber damage is usually more severe in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) than with idiopathic optic neuritis, based on a clinical measure called visual evoked potential, a study shows. Results also suggest the recovery window after an acute NMOSD attack is shorter, highlighting the importance…

SinoMab BioScience has been cleared by Chinese regulators to launch a clinical trial for its experimental immune-suppressing therapy SN1011 in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The company is anticipating that the Phase 2/3 trial will begin enrolling participants in early 2023. “The IND [investigational new drug]…

Authorities in China have granted IASO Biotherapeutics the go-ahead to begin clinical testing of the experimental CAR T-cell therapy equecabtagene autoleucel in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), IASO announced. NMOSD is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body’s immune system launches an inflammatory attack that damages parts…

A specific pattern of brain inflammation called BPCLI sometimes can occur in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and often is associated with encephalitis-like symptoms that may contribute to misdiagnoses. A study with that finding, “Bilateral parafalcine cortical and leptomeningeal impairment: A characteristic pattern of MOG antibody…

Autoimmunity Modifying (AIM) Biologicals, an experimental platform that Aeterna Zentaris is developing to treat autoimmune diseases like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), showed proof-of-concept activity in cell and mouse models of NMOSD, new data show. The findings were presented at the 13th International Congress on Autoimmunity, held earlier…