LRP2 gene were linked with a greater relapse risk.
To identify additional genetic risk factors, researchers at KU Leuven in Belgium and colleagues conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 506 MS patients, who had a median duration of disease of four years.
A GWAS looks for genetic variants that might serve as markers predicting the presence of a certain trait in this case, a greater rate of relapses.
Relapse was defined according to patient-reported symptoms or signs of acute inflammation due to loss of myelin in the central nervous system a hallmark of MS lasting for at least 24 hours, in the absence of fever or infection.
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.