Latest news with #multipleSclerosis
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How extreme summer heat can trigger underlying diseases, worsen symptoms
Other than sunstroke or dehydration, soaring temperatures can set off a range of medical conditions that remain dormant or manageable in cooler weather. From neurological flare-ups to cardiovascular strain, doctors say intense heat can act as a powerful trigger, unmasking symptoms in people who may not even know they're at risk. Among the most vulnerable are individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and has no known cure. It's estimated that 19 out of every 100,000 people in the UAE live with MS, and for them, the heat can be deeply disruptive. 'Studies show that between 60 and 80 percent of people with multiple sclerosis experience a worsening of symptoms such as fatigue, mobility issues, and visual disturbances when body temperature rises,' said Professor Anu Jacob, Director of Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Medical Advisory Committee. 'This is worse in those with pre-existing impairment.' This phenomenon, known as Uhthoff's phenomenon, occurs when the rise in body temperature slows signal transmission in already damaged nerves. 'While the worsening of symptoms is not permanent, they can significantly impact a person's daily functioning and wellbeing. Symptoms usually improve by cooling down and resting. It is important to distinguish this from a true flare-up that usually lasts for more than 24 hours,' Jacob explained. To mitigate these effects, experts recommend staying hydrated, using cooling tools like vests and fans, avoiding peak heat hours, and adjusting routines to include rest periods. 'Hydration helps people with MS by supporting the body's natural cooling system, regulating internal temperature, and reducing the risk of heat-induced flare-ups. It also helps manage bladder function and cognitive performance,' said Jacob. The UAE has already made strides in creating more accessible environments for people with chronic conditions. 'The UAE is fortunate to already offer thoughtfully designed environments such as shaded public spaces and accessible indoor cooling zones; these features play a critical role in protecting people living with chronic conditions like MS,' he said. To build on this momentum, the National MS Society recently launched the Universal Design for Inclusion Programme, partnering with six leading UAE universities to engage students and faculty in developing accessibility-first solutions across campuses. Emergency physicians are also observing the toll of the heatwave on a broader scale. 'With rising temperatures, we're seeing a notable surge in heat-related cases in the emergency department, particularly dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in more severe instances, heat stroke and acute kidney injury,' said Dr Pradeep, Emergency Medicine Specialist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Al Qusais. 'Patients with chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis (MS), heart disease and kidney disease are especially at risk. Heat can exacerbate fatigue and neurological symptoms in MS. In cardiac patients, the added strain on the heart due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can trigger serious complications. Similarly, those with impaired kidney function may struggle to regulate fluid and sodium levels, increasing the risk of acute kidney stress or failure,' he added. The ER team urges people to avoid outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm, wear breathable clothing, and ensure their indoor environment stays cool. 'In the event of a heat-related emergency such as confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat or cessation of sweating, it's crucial to seek immediate medical help,' said Dr Pradeep. While adults are the primary focus of many public health alerts, children with chronic neurological conditions are also at risk. Layla, a mother of a 10-year-old boy with epilepsy, says she plans their entire summer around avoiding the Gulf's extreme heat. 'In the UAE summer, I wouldn't let him stay outdoors much, even though he wants to play and be active. His seizures get worse when he's overheated,' she said. 'For the past few years, we've made it a point to travel somewhere cooler every July or August, just so he can enjoy being outside without us constantly worrying.' Experts say early intervention and preventive habits are critical for vulnerable groups. As climate-related health challenges continue to rise globally, public awareness and inclusive city planning may become as essential as medicine itself.
Washington Post
a day ago
- Washington Post
I have an invisible disability. Getting travel accommodations is tough.
In April, as I stepped onto a cruise ship with my family, I should have been excited. But often, I don't have the luxury of feeling that first moment of vacation bliss. Living with multiple sclerosis, I find walking and standing a burden. And accommodations that would enable me to navigate a vacation with ease have been difficult to get because my disability is invisible.
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Appears Robust With 20+ Key Pharma Companies Actively Working in the Therapeutics Segment
DelveInsight's, 'Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Insight 2025' report provides comprehensive insights about 20+ companies and 22+ pipeline drugs in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis pipeline landscape. It covers the Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and nonclinical stage products. It also covers the Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis therapeutics assessment by product type, stage, route of administration, and molecule type. It further highlights the inactive pipeline products in this space. Stay ahead with the latest insights! Download DelveInsight's comprehensive Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Report to explore emerging therapies, key Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Companies, and future Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis treatment landscapes @ Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Outlook Report Key Takeaways from the Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Report In June 2025, Novartis Pharmaceuticals announced a study will evaluate if relapsing-remitting MS patients that have not had a relapse in the past year would benefit from a switch to ofatumumab versus staying on their continued current therapy. This study will also look at whether an elevated serum neurofilament light (NfL) level predicts enhanced benefit from a switch to ofatumumab. In June 2025, Celgene conducted a study is to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, tolerability, drug levels and drug effects of ozanimod compared to fingolimod in children and adolescents with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). DelveInsight's Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis pipeline report depicts a robust space with 20+ active players working to develop 22+ pipeline therapies for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis treatment. The leading Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Companies such as Immunic AG, Sanofi, Anokion, RemeGen, HuniLife Biotechnology, Biogen, Clene Nanomedicine, Novartis, Celltrion, Imcyse SA, Takeda and others. Promising Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Therapies such as TMP001, Rebif®, Avonex®, dimethyl fumarate, BAF312, IMCY-0141, Ocrelizumab, and others. Discover how the Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis treatment paradigm is evolving. Access DelveInsight's in-depth Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Analysis for a closer look at promising breakthroughs @ Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials and Studies Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Emerging Drugs Profile IMU-838: Immunic AG Vidofludimus calcium is an orally administered investigational small molecule drug being developed for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, currently in late-stage clinical trials for multiple sclerosis (MS). Uniquely, vidofludimus calcium's first-in-class, dual mode of action combines neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects to target the complex pathophysiology of MS. As a selective immune modulator, it activates the neuroprotective transcription factor, nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1), which provides direct and indirect neuroprotective effects. Additionally, vidofludimus calcium achieves anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects through highly selective inhibition of the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). Currently, the drug is in Phase III stage of its development for the treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. IMCY-0141: Imcyse SA IMCY-0141 Imotope™ is designed based on MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) with the aim to halt the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) by stopping the body's immune system from attacking the central nervous system and disrupting undesirable autoimmune responses that drive the destruction of the myelin sheath protecting the nerves. IMCY-0141 has shown promising results in several MS preclinical models, demonstrating an immune response that supports the proposed mode of action and inducing a memory response so that the treatment effect is long-lasting and requires less frequent dosing regimens. Also, if treatment is begun early enough, it has the potential to allow patients to live with minimal impact from the disease. Currently, the drug is in Phase I/II stage of its development for the treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. ANK-700: Anokion SA ANK-700 is an investigational therapy developed by Anokion for the treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). It employs a novel approach known as an ""inverse vaccine,"" aiming to re-educate the immune system to recognize specific myelin proteins as ""self,"" thereby preventing autoimmune attacks on the central nervous system. This strategy seeks to reduce neuroinflammation while preserving overall immune function. Anokion's approach utilizes its proprietary immune tolerance platform, which targets natural pathways in the liver to restore immune tolerance. This liver-targeted antigen strategy effectively expands antigen-specific regulatory T-cells in vivo, offering therapeutic potential across various inflammatory conditions, including multiple sclerosis. ANK-700's innovative mechanism and encouraging early clinical data position it as a promising candidate for future disease-modifying therapies in RRMS. Currently, the drug is in Phase I stage of its development for the treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. The Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis pipeline report provides insights into The report provides detailed insights about companies that are developing therapies for the treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis with aggregate therapies developed by each company for the same. It accesses the Different therapeutic candidates segmented into early-stage, mid-stage, and late-stage of development for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treatment. Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Companies are involved in targeted therapeutics development with respective active and inactive (dormant or discontinued) projects. Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Drugs under development based on the stage of development, route of administration, target receptor, monotherapy or combination therapy, a different mechanism of action, and molecular type. Detailed analysis of collaborations (company-company collaborations and company-academia collaborations), licensing agreement and financing details for future advancement of the Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis market. Get a detailed analysis of the latest innovations in the Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis pipeline. Explore DelveInsight's expert-driven report today! @ Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Unmet Needs Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Companies Immunic AG, Sanofi, Anokion, RemeGen, HuniLife Biotechnology, Biogen, Clene Nanomedicine, Novartis, Celltrion, Imcyse SA, Takeda and others. Relapsing Remitting multiple sclerosis pipeline report provides the therapeutic assessment of the pipeline drugs by the Route of Administration. Products have been categorized under various ROAs such as Oral Intravenous Subcutaneous Parenteral Topical Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Products have been categorized under various Molecule types such as Recombinant fusion proteins Small molecule Monoclonal antibody Peptide Polymer Gene therapy Download DelveInsight's latest report to gain strategic insights into upcoming Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Therapies and key Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Developments @ Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Market Drivers and Barriers, and Future Perspectives Scope of the Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Report Coverage- Global Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Companies- Immunic AG, Sanofi, Anokion, RemeGen, HuniLife Biotechnology, Biogen, Clene Nanomedicine, Novartis, Celltrion, Imcyse SA, Takeda and others. Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Therapies- TMP001, Rebif®, Avonex®, dimethyl fumarate, BAF312, IMCY-0141, Ocrelizumab, and others. Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutic Assessment by Product Type: Mono, Combination, Mono/Combination Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutic Assessment by Clinical Stages: Discovery, Pre-clinical, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III Which companies are leading the race in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis drug development? Find out in DelveInsight's exclusive Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Report—access it now! @ Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Emerging Drugs and Major Companies Table of Content Introduction Executive Summary Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Overview Pipeline Therapeutics Therapeutic Assessment Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis– DelveInsight's Analytical Perspective Late Stage Products (Phase III) IMU-838: Immunic AG Drug profiles in the detailed report….. Mid Stage Products (Phase II) Telitacicept: RemeGen Drug profiles in the detailed report….. Early Stage Products (Phase I) ANK700: Anokion Drug profiles in the detailed report….. Preclinical and Discovery Stage Products Drug name: Company name Drug profiles in the detailed report….. Inactive Products Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Key Companies Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Key Products Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis- Unmet Needs Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis- Market Drivers and Barriers Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis- Future Perspectives and Conclusion Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Analyst Views Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Key Companies Appendix About Us DelveInsight is a leading healthcare-focused market research and consulting firm that provides clients with high-quality market intelligence and analysis to support informed business decisions. With a team of experienced industry experts and a deep understanding of the life sciences and healthcare sectors, we offer customized research solutions and insights to clients across the globe. Connect with us to get high-quality, accurate, and real-time intelligence to stay ahead of the growth curve. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Business Research LLP Contact Person: Yash Bhardwaj Email: Send Email Phone: 09650213330 Address: 304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: NV Country: United States Website:
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Cornwall woman completes 'epic' challenge following River Camel
A fundraiser has completed an "epic adventure" by walking, cycling and swimming 55km (34 miles) along the River Camel to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis in memory of her was part of 70 challenges Pippa Marshall, from Wadebridge, set herself to carry out to honour her mother Carol who was diagnosed with MS when she was just 19 and gradually lost her mobility as the illness said the physical challenge was tough and she got lost on the way, adding to her mileage, and she had to ensure she caught the tide to complete it. "It was hot, at the end of the walk I could barely put one foot in front of the other. But, after this, there's nothing I can't do," she said. She said: "I went off track a couple times, got bitten by dog and had to bash my way through unkempt pathways full of brambles and nettles."Pippa cycled 12km (7.5 miles) of the Camel Trail in 30 minutes before spending three hours swimming 10km (6.2 miles) to Padstow in force 5 wind and finished the adventure in 10.5 has also chosen challenges including skydiving and singing in public to highlight MS and also celebrate movement "that able-bodied people take for granted".Pippa said she took on the River Camel adventure as she and her mother grew up alongside the waterway. She said: "Mum watched the steam trains from her bedroom window as a child, and I walked and cycled along it countless times. "Whilst MS took its toll on mum and her life became very small, it meant my caring duties ramped up and somewhere along the way I forgot who mum was under the heavy veil of MS. "The River Camel transcends all of that, entwining our past with my present and I hope to remind myself that mum lives on, through me."Carol Marshall died in 2016, aged picked 70 challenges to mark what would have been her mother's 70th birthday and has given herself two years to work through has 15 more challenges to tick off, including some more far she has raised more than £3,000 towards her £4,000 target for the MS Society.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
I went to bed feeling fine but woke up paralysed – doctors blamed it on constipation but the truth was horrifying
AS a parent with a full-time job and a busy social life playing football and seeing friends, Adam Dawer always had somewhere to be. But when he went to bed feeling perfectly well one night and woke up unable to stand, it was the start of a nightmare which would lead to a shattering diagnosis for the busy father of five. 5 5 Adam, 47, began experiencing vomiting and visual disturbances and initially thought he might have caught a bug. But his symptoms didn't subside and continued for weeks. Unable to stand up without being sick and increasingly concerned, he decided it was time to seek medical help. 'I was starting to worry it was cancer as cancer is a thing that has taken half of my family,' Adam, from Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, said. 'But no-one could give me an answer, no matter where I went. I went to the GP first and I was told 'it could be this, it could be that'. 'The only one I really remember is 'you might be heavily constipated '. When he said that, I couldn't believe it. I said to my wife Sharon 'we need to go somewhere else'.' It took Adam 18 months to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and, surprisingly, he felt relieved. 'When the doctor said to me, 'It sounds to me like multiple sclerosis,' I said, 'Thank God!'' Adam recalled. 'And he said 'You do know what MS is?' And I said 'yeah, but it's not cancer.' "We were at a different hospital and the minute we walked in there, it was as if somebody flicked a switch. From that moment on, life just got better. Regardless that I've got MS, at least I know what I'm dealing with. Girl paralysed after giant critter feasted on her scalp 'I felt a big relief because I was thinking it was something that was going to kill me.' Adam began to research the condition and decided to learn as much as he could. In denial MS is an often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). He admits for the first two to three years he was in denial and believed that his life didn't need to change. For the first few years he had Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) and he had several disease-modifying drugs to help slow down the progression of the illness. 'Some worked and some didn't,' he said. 'Many of the treatments have side effects that make you feel even worse on top of already being ill. 'Now I have Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS), which means I have moved onto the next stage, unfortunately. But I take medication and hopefully this will slow down the progression.' Adam had to give up his job as a graphic designer and accept a slower pace of life. "If I have to go to the kitchen, it might take me five minutes – but I'm OK with that,' he said. 'The main thing is: I'm still alive, I'm still breathing, so all is good. 'My wife is now my full time carer and I'm extremely lucky that she helps me get out and about. 'I still drive on occasion, it's the only thing that makes me feel normal like everyone else but mostly Sharon does it now.' Sharon helps Adam with all the practicalities of MS, such as preparing his scooter, wheelchair or rollator and sorting routes, finding out where is accessible or where might have dodgy pavements. 'She deals with all of that so I don't need to because I can't anymore,' Adam added. 'I wouldn't leave the house, the anxiety of all of that on top of being ill would be crippling. 'In short, she just lets me concentrate on the MS itself.' 'It's not a one-size-fits-all thing with MS' More than 150,000 people in the UK live with MS and many of them are unable to leave their house without help. According to research by The MS Trust, 94 per cent of patients said their condition has affected their mental health with 60 per cent experiencing low self esteem. Half of MS patients report feelings of isolation and loneliness. Adam wants people to be aware that MS can present very differently in each person. 'There's not a set pattern to it,' he said. 'There could be a guy with MS who runs marathons and there could be someone in a wheelchair. It's not a one-size-fits-all thing.' 5 5 5 He is positive about his life and happy he's been able to be an active and present dad for his five children. 'When MS announced itself into my life, the youngest was five,' he said. 'I'm glad that my kids were of an age that my declining health wasn't going to impact them so much. They weren't going to grow up seeing dad be heavily disabled. 'I got to be a proper parent. I really didn't want MS to rob me of being a parent or to rob my kids of having a dad who was there. 'By the grace of God, it worked out and they're all doing their own things now. The youngest will be 20 this year. The oldest is in another country. 'I honestly haven't been happier and mentally clearer in my life. I just had this mental clarity one day: everything's going to be OK. 'It was like a massive weight came off me. I really can't explain it. It kind of is a spiritual experience - I think having MS has been like a superpower – for my mind, the way I think. 'Everyone's got problems. But when a problem comes up for me, I think, 'Is anybody going to die? No? Then there's no problem. We can fix it.'' What is multiple sclerosis (MS)? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It's an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) around nerve fibres. This disrupts the flow of electrical signals and causes a range of symptoms that can vary wildly from person to person. The good news? MS isn't a death sentence, and with advances in treatment, many people live full and active lives. In the UK, over 130,000 people are living with MS, and around 7,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It's typically diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, with women three times more likely to develop it than men. Despite its challenges, many with MS find strength and resilience they never thought possible. Common symptoms of MS are: Fatigue: Not your average tiredness—this is bone-deep exhaustion. Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, or even temporary vision loss. Numbness and tingling: Often in the face, arms, or legs. Muscle weakness: Making everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain. Mobility issues: Trouble walking or balancing. Cognitive difficulties: Memory lapses or a 'foggy' brain. Spasms and stiffness: Muscles that just won't cooperate. Bladder and bowel problems: A less glamorous but common challenge. MS is unpredictable—you might have periods of remission where symptoms vanish, followed by flare-ups when they return. This 'on-again, off-again' nature can be frustrating and means people can be in anticipation of a flare. While there's no cure yet, treatments like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and slow progression.
