Longitudinal trajectories of digital upper limb biomarkers for multiple sclerosis.

Background: Upper limb dysfunction is a common debilitating feature of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). We aimed to examine the longitudinal trajectory of the iPad®-based Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) and predictors of change over time.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled RRMS patients (limited to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) < 4).

De-escalating and discontinuing disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis.

The development of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been highly successful in recent decades. It is now widely accepted that early initiation of DMTs after disease onset is associated with a better long-term prognosis. However, the question of when and how to de-escalate or discontinue DMTs remains open and critical.

RENEWED: A follow-up study of the opicinumab phase 2 RENEW study in participants with acute optic neuritis.

Background: The randomized, phase 2 RENEW trial (NCT01721161) evaluated efficacy/safety of opicinumab (anti-LINGO-1) versus placebo in patients with first-episode unilateral acute optic neuritis (AON). Although no significant differences in the latency recovery of visual evoked potential (VEP) were observed between opicinumab and placebo groups in the intention to treat (ITT) population, the prespecified per-protocol (PP) population showed better recovery with opicinumab than with placebo. RENEWED (NCT02657915) was a one-visit, follow-up study 2 years after the last RENEW study visit (Week 32) designed to assess the long-term electrophysiological and clinical outcomes for participants previously enrolled and having received study treatment in RENEW.

Exploring the role of sex hormones and gender diversity in multiple sclerosis.

Sex and sex hormones are thought to influence multiple sclerosis (MS) through effects on inflammation, myelination and neurodegeneration, and exogenous hormones have been explored for their therapeutic potential. However, our understanding of how sex hormones influence MS disease processes and outcomes remains incomplete. Furthermore, our current knowledge is derived primarily from studies that focus exclusively on cisgender populations with exclusion of gender-diverse people.

Disease-modifying treatment and disability progression in subclasses of patients with primary progressive MS: results from the Big MS Data Network.

Background: Effectiveness of disease-modifying treatment (DMT) in people affected by primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is limited. Whether specific subgroups may benefit more from DMT in a real-world setting remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate the potential effect of DMT on disability worsening among patients with PPMS stratified by different disability trajectories.