ECTRIMS 2024: New Insights on Understanding and Treating NMOSD

Joseph R. Berger, MD

Disclosures

October 08, 2024

Joseph R. Berger, MD, shares significant insights regarding neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) presented at the recent ECTRIMS conference. Key findings focused on the disease's pathogenesis, particularly the role of B-cell lineages in producing pathogenic antibodies to aquaporin-4, the contributions of the IL-6 receptor and complement pathways, and how new FDA-approved treatments, such as satralizumab, inebilizumab, eculizumab, and ravulizumab, show greater efficacy and safety compared with traditional therapies like mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab.

Additionally, a study from Harvard involving over 100 patients demonstrated a significant improvement in outcomes and lower hospitalization rates with these newer drugs. Given the higher morbidity associated with NMOSD attacks compared with relapses of multiple sclerosis, Dr Berger concludes that the data support adopting these advanced therapies as first-line treatment for NMOSD, despite potential insurance barriers similar to those faced in multiple sclerosis treatment.

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