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.
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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.
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Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), Gilenya (fingolimod), and Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) are losing ground to more recent therapies among U.S. multiple sclerosis (MS) patients switching treatment, according to the latest Spherix Global Insights’ report.
The launch of MS generics, bioequivalents, and new brands in the U.S. market over the past year has increased competition and promoted “an active switching dynamic,” with patients starting on a new disease-modifying therapy (DMT) “in hopes of an improved outcome,” a Spherix press release summarizing the report noted.
Notably, Genentech’s Ocrevus administered directly into the bloodstream at hospitals or specialist infusion centers was the DMT that most lost patients due to COVID-19-related concerns, highlighting that the pandemic “may be the real concern for the brand,” Spherix noted in the release.
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People who develop multiple sclerosis (MS) as children are more likely to attain lower education levels, earn less in the workplace, and be more reliant on disability benefits later in life, new research shows.
These findings were published in
Up to 10% of people with MS experience their first symptoms in childhood and are diagnosed with pediatric-onset MS (PoMS). Compared to people who develop MS later in life, pediatric patients live with the disease throughout their entire adult life. This is likely to impact life in a variety of ways, and understanding the obstacles faced by PoMS patients can inform better care and support strategies.
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Treatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine is well-tolerated, but failed to outperform a placebo at easing fatigue in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), a small clinical trial found.
More studies now are needed to determine if oxidative stress contributes to fatigue or clinical progression in MS patients, and whether greater and more frequent doses of this treatment could have an effect on patients.
The findings were published in the
Oxidative stress is a phenomenon in which molecules called reactive oxygen species build up in cells and tissues, causing damage to a variety of cellular structures. Increased oxidative stress has been implicated in the development and progression of MS, although the relationship between oxidative stress and fatigue, a common symptom of MS, is unclear.