News, info and tips for living with multiple sclerosis

BTK Inhibitors – The Next Big MS Therapy?

btk inhibitor research

Is orelabrutinib one of the next big MS therapies? Biogen is betting at least $125 million that it is. Orelabrutinib is an experimental oral BTK inhibitor (BTKi). BTKi’s are designed to selectively block an enzyme that’s important for the activation of B-cells and microglia. Some of those immune cells drive the abnormal immune responses that characterize MS. Researchers hope the medication will lower inflammation and slow progression of all forms…Continue Reading

Balancing Lemtrada’s Risk Versus Rewards

Lemtrada risk-benefit

There’s been a lot of risk versus rewards chatter on social media following the recent decision by the European Medicines Agency to initiate a safety review of Lemtrada (alemtuzumab). The EMA has restricted use of the medication within the European Union while that review is underway. That’s worrying some people who are using Lemtrada or who are about to start. For me, it’s really a question of risks versus rewards. The EMA…Continue Reading

When should you start using a DMT?

A friend of mine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis about fifteen years ago.  She’s been very stable since her DX without being on any disease modifying drugs. But, we’ve both wondered if she should be proactive and start using using Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Tysabri or another of the many disease modifying therapies that are available today.  So far, her neurologist has suggested that my friend hold off. I’ve lived with…Continue Reading