News

A blood test measuring levels of the GPR37 protein may help diagnose neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), assess disease severity, and monitor treatment response, according to a new study. The GPR37 test was also able to distinguish NMOSD from multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological disorders. “Our findings…

More than half of women with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have never discussed pregnancy with their neurologist, and over 40% report that their pregnancies were unplanned, according to data from a survey-based study in Argentina. This lack of communication means that many women with NMOSD may enter pregnancy…

More than one-third of people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have involuntary muscle contractions or movements, while about one-quarter develop a lack of motor coordination. That’s according to a systematic review of nearly 100 published studies, which found that individuals with NMOSD may experience a wide range of…

The gut hormone GLP-1 may contribute to brain inflammation in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), leading to episodes of uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, or hiccups — a condition known as area postrema syndrome (APS), a new study suggests. These findings raise a crucial question about the use of…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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).

People diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who lose their jobs or cut back on their hours likely contend with vision loss, worsening pain, the use of walking aids, and frequent fatigue or depressed mood, an international study reports. “Developing a robust set of disability guidelines to protect…