News

Soliris-to-Enspryng switch safe, effective in NMOSD: Case series

Switching from Soliris (eculizumab) to Enspryng (satralizumab) is a safe and effective approach for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients testing positive for antibodies against the AQP4 protein. That’s according to data from five patients in the U.S. who switched treatments due to either preference for route…

NMOSD Awareness Month underway with events, initiatives

Initiatives are underway worldwide to mark NMOSD Awareness Month, with the goal of boosting awareness of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD/NMO) and spotlight people who live with the rare neurological disease. March has been recognized as NMOSD Awareness Month since 2016 in the U.S. and elsewhere. Leading the charge…

Anti-AQP4 antibodies tied to earlier NMOSD onset, more relapses

People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who test positive for self-reactive antibodies against the aquaporin 4 (AQP4) protein are more likely to be women, and have an earlier disease onset and more relapses than those who test negative. That’s according a single-center study in Argentina that also showed…

New predictive model for NMOSD relapses found accurate in study

A predictive model based on laboratory and clinical risk factors for relapses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) was found to accurately discriminate NMOSD patients experiencing a relapse within one year of diagnosis from those without a relapse, a study showed. The identified risk factors were numbers and ratios…

Blood, CSF levels of CXCL13 may be biomarker of NMOSD disability

People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have significantly higher levels of the signaling molecule CXCL13 in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, a study shows. Also, CXCL13 levels were significantly associated with disability, with higher levels being detected in NMOSD…

Cedars-Sinai named neuroimmune, NMOSD care Center of Excellence

Cedars-Sinai was designated a Center of Excellence in Rare Neuroimmune Disorders due to its efforts at advancing care and research for rare immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerve), such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The designation was awarded by the patient advocacy…

Higher prevalence of NMOSD among non-white Americans: Study

People who are Asian or Pacific Islander and Black are more likely to have neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and test positive for self-reactive antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4) than white people, a U.S.-based study suggests. The prevalence of anti-AQP4 antibody-positive NMOSD was also higher among women and Hispanic people.

NMOSD test therapy BAT4406F depletes B-cells, eases disability

BAT4406F, an experimental treatment in the pipeline of Bio-Thera Solutions, reduced the number of circulating immune B-cells that produce disease-causing antibodies in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), translating into less disability for a small group of Chinese patients. That’s according to data from a Phase 1 clinical…