Diagnosis and Preventive Treatment Approaches in Managing NMOSD: Brian G. Weinshenker, MD, FRCP

WATCH TIME: 5 minutes

"Investigators are considering whether we can practically institute immune tolerance strategies. This might lead to some strategies that would allow patients eventually to come off some of these more potent treatments that have more adverse effects. Maybe they are intrinsically more natural ways of improving regulatory cells and desensitization of the immune system. I think that that's an exciting strategy for the future. "

Over the past couple of decades, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has experienced progressive advancements in both diagnosis and treatment options for patients. Although a once poorly recognized condition, diagnostic criteria and specific antibody markers identified through the efforts of researchers and medical professionals have enhanced the recognition of patients with NMOSD. The approval of targeted monoclonal antibody treatments such as eculizumab (Soliris; Alexion), inebilizumab (Uplizna; Horizon Therapeutics), and satralizumab (Enspryng; Genentech) for the condition has also advanced quality of life and day-to-day function for patients.

As part of the second independently supported symposium, Brian G. Weinshenker, MD, FRCP, professor of neurology at the University of Virginia, gave a talk on considerations for preventive therapy in NMOSD at the 2023 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, held May 31 to June 3, in Aurora, Colorado.¹ The rest of the symposium featured topics that covered the evolution in diagnosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disorder (MOGAD), dissecting acute and ongoing therapeutic decision-making.

At CMSC 2023, Weinshenker sat down in an interview with NeurologyLive® to provide an overview of what he presented in the symposium. He talked about how the discovery of specific antibodies and improved diagnostic criteria has enhanced the recognition of NMOSD. He also spoke about the characteristics that differentiate NMOSD and multiple sclerosis (MS), two autoimmune disorders. In addition, Weinshenker discussed some of the challenges that exist in determining the most suitable monoclonal antibody treatments for patients with NMOSD.

Click here for more coverage of CMSC 2023.

REFERENCES
1. Weinshenker BG. Considerations in Selection and Initiation of Preventive Therapy. Presented at: 2023 CMSC Annual Meeting; held May 31-June 3; Aurora, CO. Deciphering Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: Addressing Real Clinician Questions Concerning Diagnosis and Management. ISS2.