New study aims to transform understanding The ‘SCN1A Horizons Natural History Study’ is anticipated to be a milestone in transforming understanding of SCN1A epilepsies, including Dravet Syndrome, one of the most complex and severe developmental and epileptic conditions. The nationwide study aims to define the seizure, neurodevelopmental, and behavioural characteristics of SCN1A-related epilepsies in 400…
Ubrelvy for migraine: positive phase III data
AbbVie recently announced its publication in The Lancet showing that administration of Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) during the prodrome stage of a migraine can reduce the likelihood of a migraine attack developing. Ubrelvy is the first and only acute migraine treatment that has demonstrated Phase III data in the prodrome stage. Christie Wong, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData,…
Digital therapies for tic disorders
NICE are performing a technology assessment to look at digital enabled therapy for tic disorders in children and young people NICE will assess digital therapies for tic disorders in children and young people to determine whether they can be recommended for use in the NHS, based on the available evidence and cost-saving potential. They are…
Organoid intelligence
A Swiss startup is creating computer processors using living neurons from human skin Instead of relying on digital chip processors, a Swiss startup called FinalSpark believes the world needs biological ones that use much less energy. FinalSpark says that it has tested 10 million living neurons and that research work is already underway on building…
New treatment for myasthenia gravis
UCB receives CHMP positive opinion for rozanolixizumab for treatment of adults with generalized myasthenia gravis in Europe 10th November 2023; UCB announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a positive opinion recommending granting marketing authorisation for rozanolixizumab as an add-on to standard therapy…
Advanced Parkinson’s disease: NICE backs treatment
27 October, 2023: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended a treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease that could benefit approximately 900 patients in England. This was the first technology appraisal from NICE to look at a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Final draft guidance suggests that foslevodopa–foscarbidopa (Produodopa, AbbVie) should be an…
AI medical devices – MHRA to launch the AI-Airlock
Regulatory sandbox for AI developers will assist in the development and deployment of software and AI medical devices, safely providing patients with earlier access to cutting edge innovations that improve care. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced it is taking forward its new ‘regulatory sandbox’, the AI-Airlock, that will provide a…
Could shared medical appointments increase patient engagement?
New research from ESMT Berlin finds that shared medical appointments increase engagement from patients as they ask more questions, make more comments, and exhibit higher levels of nonverbal engagement, providing greater value for other patients in the sessions. One-on-one service delivery is often considered ideal, with individualised attention assumed to improve client outcomes. In shared service delivery,…
David Martin, CEO of the MS Trust to retire
David Martin has announced that following six years at the MS Trust, he plans to retire in early 2024. During his tenure at the MS Trust, David has overseen the establishment of both the Specialist Nurse and the Advanced MS Champion programmes. Working closely with the NHS, these schemes place Specialist MS Health Professionals in…
