An overview of Fintech applications to solve the puzzle of health care funding: state-of-the-art in medical crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding is emerging as an alternative form of funding for medical purposes, with capital being raised directly from a broader and more diverse audience of investors. In this paper, we have systematically researched and reviewed the literature on medical crowdfunding to determine how crowdfunding connects with the health care industry. The health care industry has been struggling to develop sustainable research and business models for economic systems and investors alike, especially in pharmaceuticals.

Living with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in Europe: perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

The transition from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) remains a clinical challenge owing to the heterogeneous course of the disease, indistinct disease progression and lack of availability of validated biomarkers and diagnostic tools. This article summarizes the outcomes from an international expert group meeting conducted to validate the preliminary research findings gathered through interviews with primary healthcare stakeholders and pharmaceutical representatives, and to understand the current and future patient journey of SPMS across seven European countries. We highlight the uncertainty in SPMS diagnosis and management and, consequently, the need for uniform assessment guidelines, enhanced awareness and a collaborative effort between the stakeholders associated with SPMS patient care and the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of natalizumab in pediatric patients with RRMS.

Objective: This phase I study investigated pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of natalizumab in pediatric patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

Methods: Pediatric patients with RRMS who were prescribed natalizumab 300 mg IV every 4 weeks were enrolled. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 2, 8, 15, and 22 and at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 to estimate PK parameters; PD properties were evaluated by measuring α4-integrin saturation and lymphocyte counts over time.

Post-natalizumab disease reactivation in multiple sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Natalizumab (NTZ) is sometimes discontinued in patients with multiple sclerosis, mainly due to concerns about the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. However, NTZ interruption may result in recrudescence of disease activity.

Objective: The objective of this study was to summarize the available evidence about NTZ discontinuation and to identify which patients will experience post-NTZ disease reactivation through meta-analysis of existing literature data.