Degenerative neurological disorders

FDA approves first drug for progressive multiple sclerosis

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for evaluating the safety and efficacy of medicines in the United States, has approved the use of ocrelizumab (Ocrevus; Genentech) for adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and primary progressive multiple scler…

Postmenopausal hormone therapy does not protect women against Alzheimer’s disease, study suggests

There is no evidence that postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, a large, 20-year follow-up study has found.…

Ocrelizumab cuts relapse rates and disability progression in MS

Researchers found ocrelizumab to be more effective than interferon beta-1a for treating relapsing MS…

Why there is evidence to be hopeful about neuroscience and drug development

We continue to see media reports describing how pharmaceutical companies are cutting or altogether halting investment in neuroscience, thereby eliminating the possibility of innovative treatments for devastating brain disorders such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease. These reports are both…

Targeted treatment shows promise for severe spinal muscular atrophy

Antisense drug nusinersen was well tolerated in trial of 20 babies with SMA, with majority showing improved muscle skills and function after treatment.…

Vitamin D levels at birth linked to MS risk in later life

Researchers found an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels in dried blood spots up to seven days after birth and the risk of developing MS in later life. …

Benzodiazepines linked with increased risk of hip fracture in Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers say benzodiazepines should only be used in the short term after study shows that they cause an increased risk of hip fracture.…

Alzheimer’s drug shows promise in early patient trials

Phase I trial results show verubecestat reduced levels of beta-amyloid in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.…

New treatment option for Parkinson’s disease launched in the UK

Drug company BIAL Pharm UK has launched opicapone (Ongentys), a new drug to improve mobility in some adult patients with Parkinson’s disease, for use in the UK. …

Alemtuzumab reduces disability in patients with MS

A drug used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) can reverse some of the physical disabilities created by the neurological disease, according to new research.…