Elevated blood levels of the GFAP protein, a marker of damage to astrocytes in the brain and spinal cord, may help predict disability progression in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) patients. Testing both GFAP and NfL levels could identify PPMS patients with a high risk of progression. The study suggests that these blood biomarkers could be valuable in predicting disability progression in clinically defined PPMS populations, addressing a significant unmet need in managing progressive MS.
A real-world study suggests that Ocrevus may stabilize disability progression in people with severe walking impairments due to multiple sclerosis, a patient group excluded from the therapy's initial clinical trials. However, about half of the patients discontinued treatment primarily due to side effects and a lack of perceived benefits. The study found that 66.1% of patients experienced no disability progression after about three years on Ocrevus, with 29% reporting subjective disease stabilization. The researchers concluded that Ocrevus may be a useful therapeutic strategy for up to a third of highly disabled MS patients, but more research is needed to identify those who would most benefit from its use.
Levels of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can help predict disease activity and disability worsening in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers in Sweden analyzed protein levels in the CSF and plasma of MS patients and found several promising biomarkers that could predict short-term activity and long-term disease progression. These findings could aid in the development of personalized treatment protocols for MS patients, helping to avoid over- or under-treatment and improve outcomes.
Elevated levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients could indicate worsening disability within the next one to two years, according to a study. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 1,900 MS patients over a decade, found that high NfL levels were associated with a significant risk of disability progression, with or without relapse. These findings highlight the importance of NfL as an early biomarker for nerve damage and could lead to preemptive treatments for MS.
Higher blood levels of Ocrevus, a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), is associated with a significantly lower risk of confirmed disability progression during treatment in people with relapsing and progressive forms of MS, according to an analysis of data from three Phase 3 clinical trials. The lower disability progression rates reported in people with higher Ocrevus exposure were independent of reductions in relapse rates or MRI activity, suggesting the medication worked to prevent progression independent of relapse activity. Higher Ocrevus exposure also was not linked to more side effects.
