Walter Gefrom

Project Manager in Civil Engineering

International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study

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MS Awareness Advocate Walter Gefrom takes a look at an ongoing research project that is taking a closer look at how gut bacteria plays a role in the development and progression of Multiple Sclerosis.

Walter Gefrom MS Research

The International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study (iMSMS) is a research initiative primarily managed and overseen by Sergio Baranzini, PhD and his team at UCSF. The study is specifically looking at the contrasts between how a particular gut microbiome differs when present in someone with MS and someone without. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the significance of the presence of said microbiome in an individual’s system, researchers are comparing the results from family and household members. Baranzini and his team intend to decipher how the presence of this microbiome in the gut bacteria plays a role in disease progression and, potentially, root causes of MS. Walter Gefrom eagerly anticipates developments from this research project and looks forward to sharing the details with his readers.

Generic Version of Natalizumab in the Works

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Natalizumab, more popularly known as its brand name, Tysabri, is a Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT) that treats relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis through a monthly intravenous dosage. Walter Gefrom discusses the new generic version that is being proposed: 

Walter Gefrom Tysabri

Tysabri, or Natalizumab, is the leading and arguably most effective Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT) for patients with relapsinig forms of MS, including Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) and Crohn’s disease.  The DMT has been revered by many patients and neurologists, who have witnessed firsthand how effective this medication can be.  However, Tysabri is also one of the most expensive MS DMTs, with its manufacturer Biogen cornering the market on its production.  But that may now change thanks to a biosimilar version of Natalizumab which has just been accepted by the US FDA and EMA.  Walter Gefrom, MS Awareness Advocate, is hopeful that this will put the pressure on Biogen to decrease the cost of Tysabri.  Unfortunately, it is the high price tag of this medication that often keeps patients from receiving its benefits. 

MS Society of Canada’s MS Bike

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The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has officially opened MS Bike: an annual cycling event that aims to raise awareness and funds necessary to continue research on the disease. MS Advocate Walter Gefrom discuses:

Walter-Gefrom-MS-Bike

The MS Bike is back — finally!  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awareness-focused fundraising event was held virtually in 2020 and 2021.  But the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is so happy to get back to in-person cycling events in 2022!  However, the virtual options are still available, for participants who prefer to show their support from home (or anywhere else around the world, for that matter).  Walter Gefrom encourages Canadians to support this endeavor and as always, spread awareness of MS and what it is like to live with this disease.  MS Warriors unite!

World MS Day is on May 30th

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On May 30, 2022, friends and family will gather (in hopefully wonderful weather) to celebrate Memorial Day. But did you know that May 30th is also World MS Day this year? Walter Gefrom features the significant awareness-raising holiday:

Walter Gefrom World MS Day Memorial Day

Every year, multiple sclerosis awareness advocates, MS warriors and their support networks shine the spotlight on the disease for World MS Day.  This year, the event will take place on May 30th, the same date as Memorial Day.  Nevertheless, Walter Gefrom believes that World MS Day still deserves recognition on this date.  Since 2020, the theme of the campaign has been “connections.”  As we gather outdoors for our BBQ events with family and friends, that theme is echoed; making the shared date quite fitting for the two holidays. 

Across the world, events will be celebrated throughout the months of May and June in honor of those living with MS.  To learn more about an event or activity being hosted near you, be sure to check out the official website for the MS Connections Campaign, which is set to run thru 2022 and 2023.

New Medication for Treating EBV Shows Promise

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Recently, Walter Gefrom discussed the announcement from scientists and researchers that the Epstein-Barr Virus could be to blame for triggering or even causing Multiple Sclerosis. With this in mind, doctors are now setting their focus on ways to treat EBV directly; one such treatment is already showing great promise for patients.

Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. is entering Phase 2 of a clinical trial of an experimental new T-cell immunotherapy treatment, ATA118.  This new medication specifically targets Epstein-Barr Virus in people with MS.  Among the 24 volunteers involved in the clinical trial, 20 have already shown signs of improvement with their MS symptoms and/or major indication of a halt in disease progression after a year of treatment with ATA118.

This is incredibly exciting news for the MS warrior community!  A longtime advocate for the advancement of research and treatment accessibility for individuals living with MS, Walter Gefrom is ecstatic to learn of this glimmering beacon of light in the community.  Here’s to more positive news in the development of how the treatment of EBV could impact how so many people experience multiple sclerosis.