Latest Conference Coverage

Link Identified Between PIRA and Retinal Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis

Over a 24-month follow-up, investigators observed increased ganglion cell loss that could potentially be associated with an enhanced risk of developing progression without relapse activity.

Reviewing the Utilization of Serum Biomarker Tests for Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis: William Kilgo, MD

The director of the neurology residency program and assistant professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine shared his insights from a year’s worth of using a serum biomarker test for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

Antisense Oligonucleotide AOC 1001 Demonstrates Long-Term Safety Open-Label Extension of MARINA Trial

AOC 1001 consistently demonstrated directional improvements across multiple aspects of myotonic dystrophy type 1, including measures of myotonia, strength, function, and patient reported outcome.

Patients With NMOSD Who Switch From Rituximab to Eculizumab Report Fewer Comorbidities and Hospitalizations

Data from a US database suggest that patients who switched to eculizumab (Soliris; Alexion) significantly reduced their hospitalization, days hospitalized, and documented comorbidities.

The Phase 2 FUSION Trial of BTK Inhibitor BIIB091: Diana Gallagher, MD

The head of Biogen’s MS and Immunology Department Unit discussed FUSION, a new phase 2, 2-part study assessing the efficacy and safety of BIIB091, an investigational Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Ofatumumab Maintains Efficacy in Patients on Previous Anti-CD20 Therapy

Over a 6-month period, ofatumumab-treated patients met the primary end point of no change or reduction in the number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI.

Long-Term Benefits of Inebilizumab Revealed in N-MOmentum Analysis: Bruce Cree, MD, PhD, MAS, FAAN

The clinical research director of the UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center talked about a clinical trial highlighting the therapeutic benefits of longterm treatment with inebilizumab in patients with NMOSD. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Optimal Dosage for Subcutaneous Ocrelizumab Uncovered in Phase 1b OCARINA I Trial

Findings from the OCARINA I study presented at the MSMilan 2023 meeting showed that a 920 mg subcutaneous dose of ocrelizumab was well-tolerated in patients with relapsing or primary progressive multiple sclerosis, with similar exposure to the FDA-approved intravenous dose.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Shows Cognitive and Biomarker Improvements in Multiple Sclerosis

A recent analysis presented at MSMilan 2023 showed significant cognitive and biomarker improvements among patients with progressive multiple sclerosis receiving repeated intrathecal injections of autologous mesenchymal stem cells.

The Debate About Hormone Replacement Therapy During Menopause in MS: Rhonda R. Voskuhl, MD

The director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program at UCLA discussed the need to consider HRT among women with MS going through menopause, and how HRT can improve its negative effects. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Satralizumab Continues to Show Long-Term Efficacy in AQP4-IgG-Seropositive NMOSD

A new analysis of the SAkuraMoon study showed that annual relapse rate remained consistently low in satralizumab-treated patients, with high proportions of patients remaining free from relapse, severe relapse, and worsening in disability.

B Cell Suppression Not Correlated With Therapeutic Response in Ocrelizumab-Treated Patients

Despite not showing significant associations, those with B cell suppression had longer time to relapse, new MRI activity, and progression independent of relapse activity than those without.

Advancing Precision Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis: Mitzi Joi Williams, MD

The founder and chief executive officer of Joi Life Wellness Group Multiple Sclerosis Center provided insight on the barriers with expanding precision medicine and the need for additional biomarkers of clinical progression. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Subcutaneous Ocrelizumab Shows Noninferiority to IV Administration in Relapsing, Primary Progressive MS

The administration of a subcutaneous 920-mg dose resulted in near-complete suppression of radiological and clinical disease activity as measured up to week 24, similar to the intravenous therapy.

StimRouter Neuromodulation System Improves Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis

Using a minimally invasive neuromodulation device, patients showed decreases in Overactive Bladder questionnaire symptoms and increases in OAB-q quality of life scores.

Compliment C5 Inhibitors in NMOSD Safe Following Rituximab Use

A recent analysis of the PREVENT and CHAMPION-NMOSD found no significant differences in safety outcomes for patients with AQP4+ NMOSD who were treated with rituximab prior to starting C5 complement inhibitors in specific timeframes.

Anti-CD20 Therapies Shown to be Effective After Switch From Natalizumab

Following the switch from natalizumab, patients with multiple sclerosis on anti-CD20 therapies like rituximab demonstrated significant reductions in annualized relapse rate.

NeuroVoices: Jessica Ailani, MD, on Emerging Research in Migraine, CGRPs, and PACAP Pathway

The director of the MedStar Georgetown Headache Center gave commentary on the advances in the treatment of migraine, ways to better utilize CGRP medications, and the introduction of PACAP-targeting agents and their relevancy.

Search for Targeted Therapies for Primary Headaches Beyond Migraine: Jihan A. Grant, MD

The director of headache medicine at The Mount Sinai Hospital talked about the often-overlooked realm of primary headaches beyond migraines as well as the importance of developing targeted treatments and increasing understanding of their pathophysiology. [WATCH TIME: 7 minutes]

Ways to Optimize Trials for ALS Drug Development: Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD, MS

The director of the Duke ALS Clinic at Duke Health discussed the advances in drug development for ALS and ways to evolve future trials to get optimal therapeutic benefit. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Phase 1/2 Findings Highlight RGX-202’s Safety, Impact on Key Duchenne Biomarkers

RGX-202, a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was well-tolerated with no therapy-related serious adverse effects in 3 patients who received the level 1 dosage.

Emerging Trends That Challenge the Landscape of Care for Multiple Sclerosis: Stephen Krieger, MD

The associate professor of neurology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai talked about the promising new treatments for multiple sclerosis, the significance of the spinal cord in the disease, and the use of artificial intelligence in neuroimaging. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Providing Optimal Management for Migraine Amid a Growing Treatment Landscape: Jessica Ailani, MD

The director of the MedStar Georgetown Headache Center discussed the importance of a healthy clinician-patient relationship and the conversations needed during treatment selection for migraine. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Exploring Synergistic Treatment Strategies for Migraine With Monoclonal Antibodies and Gepants: Stewart J Tepper, MD

The professor of neurology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth talked about recent studies presented at the International Headache Congress on a potential migraine prevention treatment targeting pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

Championing Women's Leadership in Neurology: Jennifer Frontera, MD

The professor of neurology at NYU Langone Grossman School of Medicine discussed the Women in Neurology session she gave at IFN 2023, where women shared their experiences from their medical careers. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Recent Advances in Epilepsy Management, New Treatments and Innovative Procedures: Patricia C. Dugan, MD

The associate professor of neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine discussed her talk at IFN 2023 on advancements in epilepsy treatments, highlighting new medications and surgical options. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Clinical Insights on the Emerging Trends in Research for NMOSD and MOGAD

Adjusting Motor Fluctuation Management in an Era of Neuromodulation: Laxman Bahroo, DO

The professor of neurology and resident program director at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital discussed how Parkinson disease motor fluctuations are managed amid new, novel technologies incorporated in the field. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Empowering Women to Develop Leadership Skills in Neurology: Lara V. Marcuse, MD

The codirector of the Mount Sinai Epilepsy Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai talked about the Women in Neurology and Leadership session she spoke in at IFN 2023. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Perfecting a Cocktail of Approaches to Treat Alzheimer Disease: Richard Isaacson, MD

The director of the Center for Brain Health and Alzheimer Prevention Clinic at Florida Atlantic University provided perspectives on the multimodal, multitargeted approach needed to treat Alzheimer disease. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]