The risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) is nearly four times as high for women as it is for men. And that relative risk has increased sharply over time. In 1955, women were only slightly more likely than men to develop MS. A research team at the University of Toronto and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) has gained new insights into possible causes for this increasing disparity.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by synaptic damage, neuronal loss and cognitive decline caused by the neurotoxic effects of amyloid-β. It is the third most significant challenge to global health nowadays and currently available drugs have limited efficacy.

Abata Therapeutics Inc. announced it has received an equity investment from Bristol Myers Squibb to support the development of its Treg cell therapy products. Their investment supports Abata's continued advancement into the clinic, with trial initiation imminent for ABA-101 in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Abata obtained FDA clearance for a first-in-human study of ABA-101 in patients with MS in July.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by extensive demyelination and inflammatory responses. The clearance of microglial lipid droplets contributes to neural recovery and remyelination. Putting the focus on investigating microRNAs that regulate lipid homeostasis after SCI was the objective of a recently published study.

With a move into Lilly Gateway Labs in Boston’s Seaport District, privately held Tevard Biosciences Inc. is ramping up development of its transfer RNA (tRNA)-based therapies to cure everything from Dravet syndrome and other neurological conditions to cardiology indications and muscular dystrophies.

Precision Biosciences Inc. has announced that its experimental allogeneic T cell therapy azercabtagene zapreleucel (azer-cel) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has received IND clearance from the FDA.