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A nasal spray reaches a woman's brain differently depending on the week, and it may explain why a promising brain drug looked like a failure

A new study found that intranasal davunetide reaches the brain in higher amounts in female mice when estrogen peaks, with similar results seen in healthy adults. The findings suggest earlier trials mixing males and females may have obscured the true effects of the drug.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Interferon-gamma drives brain pathology in a mouse model of multiple system atrophy

In a mouse model of multiple system atrophy, alpha-synuclein overexpression induces neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. IFNγ produced by infiltrating CD4+ T-cells mediates these changes. The study suggests that IFNγ is a potential future disease-modifying therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

ProDERM study results of Octagam® 10% treatment in patients with dermatomyositis published in the New England Journal of Medicine

A large randomized clinical trial demonstrated Octagam 10% as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for adult dermatomyositis patients. The study showed improved outcomes in patients with this rare disease, providing a much-needed treatment alternative.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

Not all multiple sclerosis-like diseases are alike

Scientists discovered that patients with certain inflammatory demyelinating diseases have auto-immune antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), which is thought to be important in maintaining the myelin sheath's structural integrity. This finding suggests that therapeutic strategies need to be individualized for pat...

SourceTohoku University·JournalBrain·DateMay 18, 2020

Cell therapy promotes axon remyelination in a mouse model

A new cell therapy product called DUOC-01 promotes faster axon remyelination in mice treated with a demyelinating chemical agent. The treatment also enhances the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, suggesting potential for neuronal repair and remyelination in patients with demyelinating diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 18, 2016

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 2, 2013

Researchers found that bacterial imbalance contributes to intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis, with treatment reducing disease risk. Dysbiosis was shown to enhance intestinal inflammation and increase the risk for inflammation-associated colon cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2013

Multiple sclerosis: Risk factors in children

A study published in Neurology has found that children with a specific gene variation are at higher risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis. The research identifies the HLA-DRB1 allele as a key factor in pediatric-onset MS, which can provide insights into disease causes and potentially lead to earlier diagnoses and new therapies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeurology·DateMar 18, 2011

New Jefferson study may redefine how a chronic autoimmune disease is diagnosed

A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers suggests that a minimum of three demyelinating features can be used to positively identify Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). This finding may help doctors diagnose CIDP more effectively and treat patients earlier, potentially preventing further disability.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease·DateJun 10, 2009

Penn Researchers Prove "Short-Cut" Function Of Myelin Sheath Channel: BetterUnderstanding Of Myelin Should Lead To Therapies For Neuropathies

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center have discovered a biochemical channel in the myelin sheath that enables faster exchange of cell nutrients, which could lead to treatments for neuropathies and demyelinating diseases. The study, led by Dr. Steven Scherer, demonstrates the function of connexin32 in myelinating ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 24, 1998