5 (1)
A Phase 3 trial investigating GA Depot, a long-acting, once-a-month injectable formulation of glatiramer acetate, is seeking patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Enrollment opened in 2019, with clinical sites in the U.S. and Eastern Europe added since then. More information on contacts and locations can be found here. People in the U.S. who are interested in participating can see if they are eligible here.
GA Depot, developed by Mapi Pharma, is a new formulation of glatiramer acetate that lasts longer in the body and is administered via an intramuscular (into-the-muscle) injection every four weeks. It may be a more convenient alternative to approved formulations of glatiramer acetate (such as Copaxone and generics) that are injected under-the-skin every day or three times a week.
3.3 (4)
The overall cost of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) in the U.S. remained stable from 2018 to 2020, according to pharmacy and medical claims data from Prime Therapeutics’ insured members.
This stabilization derived from a balance between a reduction in Copaxone (glatiramer acetate injection) use due to the arrival of its generics, and an increase in the use of Ocrevus (ocrelizumab).
Generics are nearly identical versions of an original branded medication, typically sold at lower prices.
A national pharmacy benefit manager, Prime analyzes real-world medication use pattern changes to negotiate treatment prices and/or rebates with therapy manufacturers and to create lists of medications that health insurance companies, such as those in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, will pay.
Mertk Gene Plays Key Role in Myelin Repair, Mouse Study Finds 4.9
A gene called
Mertk has important roles in the repair of myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects neurons and that is lost in multiple sclerosis (MS).
The findings were published in
MS is caused by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath and the resultant loss of myelin (termed demyelination). An overarching goal of MS research is to find ways to repair or replace the myelin that has been damaged or lost (a process called remyelination).
The
Mertk gene encodes a protein of the same name. Prior genetic studies have suggested a link between variations in this gene and MS however, the biological function of this gene, and its role in MS, is largely unclear.
4.3 (10)
The European Commission (EC) has approved a new method to administer Tysabri (natalizumab) as a treatment for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
This new delivery route involves a subcutaneous injection in which Tysabri is injected under the skin. Compared with the previously approved intravenous (into the bloodstream) formulation, this one can be given in less time, in settings beyond infusion centers, and requires no or shorter post-observation periods after the first six doses.
It also offers patients undergoing Tysabri treatment another option, enabling them to choose the one that best fits their needs, according to the therapy’s manufacturer, Biogen.