Posts by: Margarida Maia PhD

Margarida Maia PhD

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022

Natalizumab, Biosimilar of Tysabri for Relapsing MS, Under FDA Review

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to review an application requesting that Polpharma Biologics‘ natalizumab, a biosimilar of Tysabri, be approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). ... Read more

July 20, 2022July 20, 2022

Infection Likely Trigger of aHUS in Children, Case Report Finds

aHUS News

Children who develop atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) due to autoantibodies may have an upper airway or digestive tract infection as an initial symptom, according to a report detailing eight such ... Read more

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022

Soliris Holds Promise as Treatment for Progressive MS, Case Study Says

Multiple Sclerosis News Today

A female patient with undiagnosed secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) was placed on Soliris (eculizumab) for a related disorder and experienced no relapses for five months, a report says. The ... Read more

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022

Molecular Glue May Help CFTR Protein Work Better

COVID-19 News, Cystic Fibrosis News Today

A type of ring-shaped molecule called a macrocycle can help CFTR — the faulty protein in cystic fibrosis (CF) — go to the cell’s membrane, where it exerts its action, ... Read more

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022

Kaftrio May Ease CF Symptoms of Acid Reflux, Sinonasal Infection

Cystic Fibrosis News Today

Kaftrio, a triple combination of elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor sold as Trikafta in the U.S., may ease acid reflux and symptoms of nasal and sinus cavity infection in cystic fibrosis ... Read more

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022

Use of CFTR Modulators May Protect Against Severe COVID-19

COVID-19 News, Cystic Fibrosis News Today

Taking so-called CFTR modulators — medications to correct the disease-causing faulty CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis (CF) — may significantly reduce a patient’s risk of severe COVID-19, according to a study ... Read more

June 24, 2022June 24, 2022

Uncontrolled Hypertension More Likely in Black Americans With MS

Multiple Sclerosis News Today

Black Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher chance of having uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), despite being more likely to receive anti-hypertensive medication than white patients, a large ... Read more

June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

Molecules in Blood Cells ID’d as Potential MG Diagnosis Biomarkers

Myasthenia Gravis News

Two molecules in blood cells may be potential biomarkers for diagnosing myasthenia gravis (MG), a study suggests. Researchers found levels to be lower in mononuclear cells — a mixture of ... Read more

June 16, 2022June 16, 2022

FDA Clears Thermo Fisher’s Tests for Scleroderma, Lupus Diagnosis

Scleroderma News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Thermo Fisher Scientific to market its blood tests for diagnosing scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), two autoimmune diseases. “Autoimmune diseases ... Read more

June 16, 2022June 16, 2022

Woman Develops Angioedema After Taking Heart Med Enalapril

Angioedema News

A woman developed symptoms of angioedema after taking enalapril, a medicine commonly used to lower blood pressure and treat heart problems, according to a report from Colombia. Her symptoms of ... Read more

June 15, 2022June 16, 2022

Blood Test May Help Diagnose TTP/aHUS in Pregnant Women, Study Finds

aHUS News

A blood test may help doctors tell a pregnancy complication called HELLP syndrome from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), a small study found. The test measures ... Read more

June 15, 2022June 15, 2022

High Immune Cell Counts in Blood May Be Linked to MS, Study Finds

Multiple Sclerosis News Today

Higher numbers of immune cells circulating in the bloodstream may mean a greater likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study based on a large pool of genetic ... Read more

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022

Dysport Wins Positive Opinion in Europe for Treating Bladder Issues

Multiple Sclerosis News Today

Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), form of purified botulinum toxin, has received a positive opinion in Europe for managing urinary incontinence in adults with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), or overactive bladder. The opinion ... Read more

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022

App Will Track Newborns Diagnosed with SCD in 6 African Countries

Sickle Cell Disease News

Novartis is partnering with the American Society of Hematology (ASH) to roll out an app in six sub-Saharan African countries to track babies who receive a diagnosis of sickle cell ... Read more

June 13, 2022June 13, 2022

‘Off’ Episodes May Affect 1 in 3 Patients Come Bedtime, Trials Find

Parkinson's News Today

About 1 in 3 Parkinson’s disease patients in two Phase 3 trials experienced an “off” episode before going to sleep, and most of those who woke up during the night were in ... Read more