A specialised non-invasive imaging technique has detected metabolic abnormalities in areas of brain white matter that appeared normal on conventional MRI scans in people with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The study, published in Acta Neurologica Belgica, investigated whether proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) could identify subtle abnormalities that may not be visible using standard…
ZANVASTRO approved as first disease-modifying treatment for Alexander disease
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ZANVASTRO (zilganersen) for the treatment of Alexander disease (AxD) in paediatric and adult patients, providing the first disease-modifying treatment for this ultra-rare and progressive neurological disorder. Zilganersen is an RNA-targeted medicine designed to reduce production of GFAP, addressing an underlying mechanism of the disease. The 50…
Nusinersen accepted in Scotland for pre symptomatic SMA
The Scottish Medicines Consortium has accepted nusinersen for restricted use within NHS Scotland for babies with genetically confirmed 5q spinal muscular atrophy before symptoms appear. The decision, published in August 2026, provides clinicians with an additional early treatment option for infants identified through newborn screening or targeted genetic testing. The SMC advice confirms that nusinersen…
Ocrevus and Kesimpta show similar effectiveness in large real-world MS study
Real-world data from more than 6,500 people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis suggest that Ocrevus and Kesimpta provide similarly strong disease control, although researchers identified small differences in relapse and disability outcomes. The international study analysed registry data from 6,572 adults with relapsing-remitting MS who started treatment with either ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) or ofatumumab (Kesimpta) between 2021…
Stroke study identifies potential mechanism behind ‘no reflow’
New research has shed light on why restoring blood flow after an ischaemic stroke does not always lead to neurological recovery. The study suggests that the brain’s own protective response can contribute to the formation of tiny blood clots in smaller vessels, potentially causing continued tissue damage even after the main clot has been removed….
Late-onset MS treatments show comparable real-world outcomes
A real-world study has found that two widely used disease-modifying therapies, anti-CD20 treatments and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators, provide similar clinical benefits for most people with late-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS). Researchers analysed data from 447 adults with relapsing-remitting MS enrolled in the international MSBase registry whose symptoms began after the age of 50. Participants had…
Huntington’s disease discovery opens door to potential new treatment approach
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have identified a previously overlooked mechanism that may contribute to nerve cell damage in Huntington’s disease (HD), raising the possibility of a new treatment strategy focused on protecting DNA rather than directly targeting the genetic mutation. Although much research has focused on the abnormal protein and expansion of DNA…
Epilepsy drug taken by fathers not associated with disorders in children, study finds
A large Taiwanese study has found no association between fathers taking the antiseizure medication valproate before conception and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders or birth defects in their children. The findings, published in Neurology, add to evidence about the potential reproductive effects of antiseizure medicines in men. Valproate is already known to carry significant…
Cannabis-based therapies may offer modest relief for MS spasticity
Cannabis-based therapies, particularly products combining tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), may provide modest relief from spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a systematic review of 27 randomised clinical trials involving more than 3,000 participants. Published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the review found that preparations containing both THC and CBD,…
New immune map of thymus reveals potential clues to myasthenia gravis
Researchers have identified a previously unrecognised immune environment in the thymus that may help explain why myasthenia gravis (MG) persists in some patients despite treatment. The findings provide new insights into the biology of the autoimmune disease and could point towards future therapeutic targets. Published in Science Advances, the Northwestern Medicine study combined single-cell RNA…
