Hello MCP family, how has your week been? Ours has been wonderful, and it was made even better by the new breakthroughs in MS research. From breakthroughs in understanding the causes of MS, to exciting new developments in therapies, here is our roundup of this weeks medical MS research.
√ Finally, Attention Switches To Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Earlier this year, the FDA granted breakthrough status to a new drug being developed by Genentech called ocrelizumab. The drug has been developed to treat patients with primary progressive MS, a form of MS which been clinically overlooked in the development of new treatments. While progressive MS is its primary target, ocrelizumab has also been shown to be an effective treatment for relapsing MS as well.
√ Brain inflammation linked to depression in multiple sclerosis
A recent study suggests that increased inflammation in the hippocampal region of the brain could be contributing to higher rates of depression in people with multiple sclerosis. This is due to symptoms of MS stemming from abnormal responses from the immune system, which has also been associated with depression.
√ Changes uncovered in the gut bacteria of patients with multiple sclerosis
Scientists have long hypothesized that there was a connection between the bacteria found in the gut and autoimmune disorders, such as MS. However, such a suspicion has recently been confirmed when researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) found that people with MS have vastly different patterns of microorganisms living in their gut than people who do not have MS.
√ Endece Granted New U.S. Patent for NDC-1308, Therapy to Induce Remyelination in MS
Medical research company Endece has recently received a patent in numerous countries for the development of a new product that could foster remyelination in people with multiple sclerosis, helping to prevent the progression of the disease. This product would especially focus on healing motor neuron damage, and could be administered alone, or in combination with other treatments.
√ New jab that creates ‘killer cells’ could help fight against multiple sclerosis
A new drug, daclizumab, is being developed that could help to rebalance the body’s immune system by increasing the production of ‘killer cells’ within the body. The drug, which is administered via monthly shot, has been shown to reduce the frequency of relapses in people with MS by 45% when compared the current standard therapy treatment.
