CMSC 2022 | An outlook on the future therapeutic landscape of MS
Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, is excited about promising clinical trials regarding multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. The evolving therapeutic landscape in MS includes tackling the dysregulation of the immune system, demyelination of neurons, and neurotoxicity, through methods such as immunomodulation, remyelination and neuroprotection, respectively. Of these three approaches, only immunomodulation has effective therapies at present. Dr Obeidat discusses future potential avenues, such as combination therapy and anti-viral approaches, relating to the recent confirmatory data linking Epstein Barr virus to MS causation. Several Phase III clinical trials currently underway are investigating Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors that are likely to have therapeutic effects directly in the central nervous system, unlike previous medication. Cellular therapies are also moving closer to becoming reality. This interview took place at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) congress 2022 in Maryland.
Disclosures
Dr Obeidat received personal compensation for participation in scientific advisory boards, steering committees, and/or for speaking engagements from Alexion pharmaceuticals, Biogen, Biologix, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, EMD Serono, Genentech, GW Pharma, Horizon pharmaceuticals, Novartis (local and global), Sanofi/Genzyme, TG therapeutics, Viela Bio. Consultant fee for serving as a scientific reviewer for Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award (EHDA) peer review panel of the 2020 Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP) for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Honoraria from Medscape, WebMD, and MJH Life Sciences.
Dr Obeidat serves as a site PI for studies funded (directly paid to MCW) by National MS Society/PCORI; Atara biotherapeutics, Biogen, Celgene, Bristol Myers Squibb, EMD Serono, Genentech, GW pharma, Jazz Pharma, and Novartis. Sub-I on studies funded by AbbVie and Sanofi/Genzyme. Dr Obeidat received research funds from Central for immunology, Research Affairs committee and Neuroscience research center. Dr Obeidat holds unpaid positions: the editorial board of the International Journal of MS care – IJMSC, the board of governors of the Consortium of MS centers – CMSC, the board of directors of Global Music and Wellness – GMW, as the Chair for MS professionals in Training special interest group through the CMSC, and the steering committee for Artists working in Education.
