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Society-Funded Investigators Find New Information on Immune Cell Activity in MS

September 2, 2020

The team that helped to drive development of MS therapies that target immune B cells – such as Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab, Genentech) – now reports new findings on how these cells might be activated, a finding that could enable a new generation of more targeted B cell therapies. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco, funded by the National MS Society and others, looked at B cells in the blood and spinal fluid in 23 people with early MS prior to treatment. The results showed an abnormal number of activated B cells in the spinal fluid, and yield important information on the genes and proteins instructing the inflammatory activity of these cells.

Further research can reveal more information on these genes and proteins, and whether they can be targeted to develop more specific therapies that only eliminate the “bad” B cells in MS.

Read more on the UCSF website

Read the paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Ocrevus is a registered trademark of Genentech

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.

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