Ocrevus, once available only in clinical trials and now widely used by patients with relapsing and primary progressive forms of the disease, continues to show slowing of disability progression. The intravenous medication is typically administered two times yearly.
Recently approved Zeposia and Ponvory are oral medications that are also every effective in decreasing relapses and slowing disability. Zeposia has clinical data showing it has a positive impact on cognition and Ponvory may slow the development of fatigue in people with MS.
The ongoing unmet need in MS care is treatment for non-relapsing, secondary progressive MS and primary progressive disease. To try and address this gap in treatment options, the MS Center at Holy Name is involved in clinical trials investigating the use of a novel therapeutic agent, BTK inhibitors, which may prove to have improved efficacy in promoting remyelination.
In collaboration with Albert Einstein University, the MS Center is investigating the effects of aging in MS patients as part of a study through a National Institutes of Health grant. The Center is also involved in a study with researchers from the Hospital for Special Surgery that evaluates foot structure, gait and posture changes in MS patients.
For patients who may need cognitive therapy and counseling services, Dr. Gautam Bhasin, a clinical psychologist, is available for consultations, evaluations and therapy sessions.