News

Telehealth offers a new path for improving mental health in NMOSD

A six-week psychotherapy program, tailored specifically for people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and delivered via telehealth, helped to ease anxiety and depression in adults with these conditions — with benefits lasting up to three months after treatment. These are the findings of a U.S. pilot clinical trial…

Cost of Ultomiris for NMOSD may soon be reimbursable in Canada

Ultomiris (ravulizumab), an approved infusion therapy for adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), is closer to being eligible for reimbursement under public drug plans in Canada, according to its developer, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease. The company signed a letter of intent with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA).

Eye scans may be helpful tool to distinguish NMOSD, MS in patients

Using noninvasive eye scans may help clinicians to determine if patients — particularly those in early disease stages — have neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) or multiple sclerosis (MS), both immune system disorders. That’s according to a review of published studies that together reveal that people with NMOSD…

Ultomiris found safe, effective in complex NMOSD cases: Study

The infusion therapy Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz) safely and effectively reduces the risk of a relapse in complex cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and may be combined with rituximab for short periods, a case series study shows. For four NMOSD patients at a hospital in Fujiyoshida, Japan, Ultomiris…

Bio-Thera to file for BAT4406F’s approval for NMOSD in China

Bio-Thera Solutions has closed patient enrollment ahead of schedule for a pivotal Phase 2/3 clinical trial in China of its investigational therapy BAT4406F due to the treatment’s “compelling efficacy” for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The decision is based on a recommendation from an Independent Data Monitoring Committee…

Impaired sleep common among NMOSD patients, study finds

Most people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have impaired sleep quality and architecture — an individual’s cyclical sleep pattern, involving different stages — relative to healthy people, according to a new study from researchers in India. NMOSD patients were also found to have reductions in the volume of…

NMOSD among autoimmune disease risk factors: Study

People with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are at a nine times higher risk of developing autoimmune rheumatic diseases, or those affecting the joints, muscles, or connective tissue, a South Korean study found. Connective tissue provides support, connection, and binding for tissues and organs. The findings align with a…