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Scientists uncover shared biology behind profound fatigue in five major illnesses

A new study reveals striking biological similarities between five major illnesses, including long Covid and PTSD, suggesting common underlying mechanisms. Chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis may be driven by shared regulatory networks in immune and metabolic systems.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2026

Targeted suppression of autoimmune response in MS

A new MS therapy uses peptide-coupled red blood cells to redirect the immune response, potentially stopping the disease without suppressing the immune system. The clinical trial shows promising results, with the therapy showing good tolerability and safety.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 1, 2026

Walking performance and daily activity are linked to better quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis

A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that walking performance and daily physical activity are strongly associated with quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. Lower disability levels and better walking performance were linked to better perceived quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·DateSep 1, 2026

Emergency diagnoses linked to poorer outcomes across wide range of conditions

A large population-based study found that emergency diagnoses are common across multiple conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and coronary heart disease, and are consistently associated with worse outcomes. The study suggests that emergency diagnosis is a common phenomenon across diverse diseases and is linked to higher mortality ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2026

levidex RCT shows clinically significant improvement in quality of life for multiple sclerosis and is published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal – Experimental, Translational and Clinical

A randomized controlled trial on levidex, a digital health application, has shown clinically significant improvement in disease-specific quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis. The study found that levidex improved MS-specific quality of life, depressive symptoms, and social functioning in participants.

SourceGAIA (Germany)·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 13, 2026

The gut as a key player in immunotherapy for MS

Researchers have found that B-cell depletion therapies exert their beneficial effect by mobilizing regulatory immune cells from the gut, which help regulate immune responses and may have a positive impact on MS course. The study suggests new possibilities for developing future therapies that harness beneficial gut immune cells.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 22, 2026

Large national study finds differences in multiple sclerosis death rates by age, race and geography

A large national study found that multiple sclerosis (MS) death rates vary significantly by age, geography, and race. The analysis, led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC, also found that co-occurring conditions, including high blood pressure and cardiac arrest, were linked to increased mortality among people with MS.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026

New platform combines precision gene targeting with brain-wide delivery

A new study describes a gene therapy strategy that uses the brain's glymphatic transport system to distribute engineered viral vectors throughout the brain. This approach enables preferential targeting of human glial cells while minimizing exposure to other cell types and organs, addressing two major challenges in neurological medicine.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 8, 2026

Low-cost MS treatment shown to be as effective as standard therapy in landmark NEJM trial

A Norwegian Swedish clinical trial found that rituximab is comparable to ocrelizumab in newly diagnosed relapsing multiple sclerosis, offering a more affordable treatment option. The study's findings have major implications for healthcare sustainability and global treatment access.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 2, 2026

Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS: behind the rising case numbers, distinct dynamics

A study analyzing French and Swedish national health databases reveals a rise in Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron diseases' prevalence worldwide. Improved life expectancy and therapies contribute to the increase in multiple sclerosis cases, while population aging is the primary driver of ALS rising incidence.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2026

Researchers discover a new link between brain sugar levels and myelin development

Researchers at CUNY ASRC have uncovered a metabolic switch that influences the formation of myelinating cells, helping shape brain development. The study reveals that glucose levels act as a signal directing behavior during development and can be harnessed to protect myelin in the developing brain and promote repair in disease states.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Taming overactive immune systems with antibodies: hope for autoimmune diseases

A multi-institutional team has discovered a novel immune regulatory mechanism mediated by antibodies that selectively shut down overactive immune responses. The 'immune-induced TCR-like antibody' (iTab) can reduce disease severity and delay its onset in a mouse model of autoimmune disease.

SourceImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) - The University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

For women with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, could Roche’s best selling drug be doing more harm than good?

The FDA is reviewing a petition to revoke the approval of Roche's top-selling drug ocrelizumab for treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis in women due to concerns over its lack of effectiveness and potential increased risk of breast cancer. The investigation highlights internal FDA warnings about the drug's safety and effectiv...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 15, 2026

New discovery on brain metastasis reveals how tumors hijack immune cells to use them to their advantage

A recent study has revealed that brain tumors use a protein called MIF to reprogram immune cells, such as macrophages and microglia, to drive tumor growth. The researchers have identified a drug, ibudilast, which can block this process, slowing metastasis in animal models and fresh patient samples.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

International Progressive MS Alliance awards €6.9 million to three studies researching therapies to address common symptoms of progressive MS

The International Progressive MS Alliance has funded three global studies to address common symptoms of progressive MS, such as fatigue and cognitive impairment. These Well-Being Phase II Efficacy Awards aim to develop innovative approaches for improving well-being in people with progressive MS.

Opening a new window on the brainstem, AI algorithm enables tracking of its vital white matter pathways

A new software tool developed by MIT researchers can reliably and finely resolve eight distinct nerve bundles in live diffusion MRI scans, shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The BrainStem Bundle Tool (BSBT) reveals distinct patterns of structural changes in patients with these conditions.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2026

Backward walking study offers potential new treatment to improve mobility and decrease falls in multiple sclerosis patients

A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy found that backward walking training improved postural stability and gait speed in most participants with multiple sclerosis. The researchers suggest that this therapy may promote neuroplasticity and be a potential new treatment for improving mobility and decreasing falls.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Neurologic Physical Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

New mechanism links Epstein-Barr virus to MS

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals the Epstein-Barr virus can damage the brain and contribute to multiple sclerosis through molecular mimicry. The researchers found that cross-reactive T cells are significantly more common in people with MS, and targeting these cells may lead to new treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJan 13, 2026

Study identifies potential biomarker linked to progression and brain inflammation in multiple sclerosis

A University of Toronto-led study has discovered a potential biomarker linked to multiple sclerosis disease progression that could help identify patients most likely to benefit from new drugs. The findings were validated in both mouse models and humans, suggesting a possible surrogate marker for leptomeningeal inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2026

Exposure to PFAS and PCBs linked to higher odds of MS

Research analyzed blood samples from 1,800 individuals in Sweden, finding links between PFAS and PCB exposure and increased odds of multiple sclerosis. The study also highlighted genetic vulnerability and complex interactions between environmental contaminants and hereditary factors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025

Study: Mixed results in using lipoic acid to treat progressive multiple sclerosis

A randomized controlled trial found that lipoic acid had a small beneficial effect on slowing brain atrophy in people with progressive multiple sclerosis. However, it did not improve walking speed as the primary clinical outcome. The study suggests that lipoic acid may be worth further investigation for its potential benefits.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2025