News

AHR protein may be a biomarker for NMOSD relapses

The activity of an immune-regulating protein is significantly lower just before or during a relapse in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a recent study has found. This discovery could lead to new ways to monitor disease activity and develop treatments. The protein, called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor…

Enspryng prevents relapses in NMOSD for up to nearly 9 years

Long-term use of the approved therapy Enspryng (satralizumab) safely and effectively prevented relapses in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who have antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4). That’s according to up to 8.8 years of pooled data from two placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials — SAkuraStar (NCT02073279) and …

Study links headaches in NMOSD to changes in the brain

Nearly all adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) experience headaches, especially migraines, a single-center study in Iran suggests. The presence of abnormalities in brain MRI scans and the use of the immunosuppressive therapy rituximab were each linked to an increased chance of new or worsening headaches after a…

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…