Health Canada has approved Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) to treat adults in the country with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who test positive for disease-driving anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies. The decision adds Canada to the list of nations where the medication is now available. The intravenous or into-the-vein infusion, developed by…

Ultomiris (ravulizumab) is now approved in Canada to treat adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are positive for antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4). According to a press release from Alexion Canada, which will market Ultomiris in the country, it’s the “first and only” long-acting therapy…

You can’t find it if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s how I feel every time my Facebook and Instagram communities related to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) discuss a news topic I hadn’t heard about. I’m left madly searching the internet to get caught up. Meta,…

“It’s like heaven and hell at the same time.” That’s my response whenever I meet another neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patient who asks me about our Canadian healthcare system. Don’t get me wrong: I’m an incredibly proud Canadian. There are wonderful aspects to our “Great North,” including our…

I have a theory: I’m convinced you can scream (almost) anything at a baseball game. The more obscure the cheer, the greater it is. “You call that peanut butter?!” “Turn ’em upside down!” “Let’s go, captain! Take ’em out to sea!” (This one is way more fun when said in…

We cannot separate science from life. Trust me, I’ve tried. Like most young people, I once thought of myself as invincible. So I was absolutely stunned when I was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) at the age of 24. With the diagnosis, my world came crumbling down. Yet while…

Enspryng (satralizumab), a therapy for adolescents and adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), has been recommended for reimbursement through Canada’s public drug plans, if certain conditions are met.  Among the conditions established by the Canadian Drug…