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Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Inspirational Helensburgh man tells how honest conversations around MS took 'enormous weight off'
Paul McGaw says being upfront about his condition helps to remove pressure and awkwardness from certain situations as he spoke out on MS Awareness Week. A family man has told how having honest conversations about his disability has helped him explain to the people in his life when NOT to help him. Paul McGaw, 47, was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2007. This MS Awareness Week (April 28 to May 4), Paul is supporting a new national charity campaign, MS Conversations. Spearheaded by a collaboration of the UK's MS charities - MS Society, MS Trust, MS Together, MS-UK, the Neuro Therapy Network, Overcoming MS, and Talks with MS – the campaign aims to encourage people to start conversations about their multiple sclerosis (MS). More than 17,000 people in Scotland, and more than 150,000 people in the whole of the UK, live with MS. It's a condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord and impacts how people move, think and feel. Symptoms are different for everyone and are often invisible. But one thing everyone with MS has in common is that they'll all have conversations about their condition, whether they're explaining it to family members or friends, asking an employer or medical professional for support, or opening up to a new partner. Those conversations won't always be easy. That's why the eight charities will be working with members of the MS community throughout MS Awareness Week and sharing resources, tips and real life stories to help make those conversations easier. Paul, who's married and enjoys close relationships with family members and friends, said he's always spoken openly about his MS. He believes being upfront about his condition helps to remove pressure and awkwardness from certain situations. And it's also allowed him to explain to those close to him that sometimes when he appears to be struggling he'd rather they didn't try to help. Paul, of Helensburgh, explained: 'I stumble and fall a lot more these days. I've got two walking poles but I only use them when I really need to because I don't want to become over-reliant on them. It's difficult to explain but I've really got to think hard to make sure I'm balanced. 'When I'm with someone and I start to lose my balance, they often try to catch me or stop me falling, but that can actually make the situation worse. So I've had to have conversations with people in my life and ask them not to do that and to just give me a bit of time to try to regain my balance. 'A while ago I went to Auschwitz in Poland with my dad, because I'm interested in history. I didn't have any walking aids back then so I was really struggling and my dad wanted to help me. 'I explained to him that I don't know which way I'm going to fall and if someone tries to grab hold of me I'm going to end up jerking away and that'll probably lead to more risk of me falling. 'So don't try to grab hold of me, just let me stumble my way through it. 'I've said to my wife, listen Colette, I love you to bits, but see when I'm like this, I don't know if I'm going to fall left, right, forward, back. Just give me that 30 seconds to try to find somewhere to lean so I can get my balance back a little bit. 'I've had those conversations with my pals as well. I talk to my best pals about my MS, and share a wee bit with them, because they're basically family. Although I do sometimes make jokes about it. 'I said listen guys, with all the best will in the world, don't try and grab hold of me. I'm actually working really hard to try and get my balance. If you try to pull me back I'll probably pull the other way or something, I don't know. I honestly don't know how my body is going to react. 'It's a difficult one to try to convey to people who are just trying to help. And I know it sounds a bit selfish in many ways – telling my dad or my wife to let me fall on the ground. 'It took a while for people to accept it, and to realise that I'm not doing it to be all 'look at me' or 'woe is me'. No, it's because I'm trying to keep as much self-respect, dignity, and independence as I can.' The eight charities are encouraging everyone affected by MS to get involved on social media throughout MS Awareness Week by using the hashtag #MSConversations to share their most memorable MS interactions. When asked what advice he'd give to people struggling to have conversations about their MS, Paul added: 'You don't have to have conversations about your MS with every single person; have them with people you trust. 'Maybe your close family and friends. If someone doesn't want to hear about your MS then they're not really your pal so don't waste any energy on them. 'For me, talking openly about my MS has taken an enormous weight off my shoulders. Just try to be open and honest and that way, all the worry of 'oh god, are they going to know I've got this' and 'how are they going to react when I tell them that' – all that will be lifted right off you straight off the bat because you've been upfront and it's out there.' Jo Anderson, Director for Scotland at the MS Society, said: 'Talking openly about MS is vital for increasing awareness, breaking down stigma, and ensuring everyone can access the support they're entitled to. But starting those conversations can be hard. 'This MS Awareness Week we're pleased to once again be partnering with other leading MS charities across the UK, this time shining a spotlight on MS Conversations. 'Encouraging conversations about MS is at the heart of everything we do year-round at MS Society Scotland, from inviting people to contact our free MS Helpline, to supporting local groups to bring people together, and promoting volunteers' stories. 'This week we're taking that one step further and sharing tools and advice to help more people have conversations about their MS. 'We'd like to say a huge thank you to Paul and everyone else who's shared their experiences so far. There's still time to join in using #MSConversations on social media.' Join the conversation and find support by searching #MSConversations on social media. Follow MS Society Scotland's MS Awareness Week coverage on Facebook (MS Society Scotland), Instagram (@mssocietyscot) and X (@mssocietyscot).
Saba Yemen
26-03-2025
- Health
- Saba Yemen
Researchers: Vitamin D dose to change MS patients lives
Paris - Saba: French researchers conducted a new study to explore the effect of vitamin D on patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early stages of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The study, published in the journal JAMA, aimed to evaluate the role of high doses of cholecalciferol (a form of vitamin D) in modifying the disease course, with a focus on safety and efficacy as a single treatment. The team from CHU Nîmes, the University of Montpellier, and several MS treatment centers in France discovered that oral administration of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) at a dose of 100,000 IU every two weeks significantly reduced disease activity in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). MS typically begins with an acute attack affecting the central nervous system, such as optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, or brainstem syndromes. These initial symptoms are collectively called clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), however, they do not always lead to the development of MS. Risk factors for relapse and transformation of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) into clinically confirmed MS include: Oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid High number of perivenular lesions on MRI Early age at symptom onset Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased disease activity, but previous studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation have been conflicting. Because of its immunomodulatory effects, vitamin D has been primarily tested as an adjunct to interferon beta. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D as monotherapy in recent-onset clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). In the DLay MS randomized clinical trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effect of high-dose cholecalciferol versus placebo in untreated patients with CIS. The study included 316 participants aged 18–55 who had symptoms of clinically isolated syndrome within 90 days prior to the study and had vitamin D levels less than 100 nmol/L. During the trial, researchers divided the participants into two groups. The first group received 100,000 IU of cholecalciferol every two weeks (163 participants). The second group received a placebo (153 participants). The trial lasted 24 months, and disease activity, such as relapse or the appearance of new lesions, was assessed using MRI. The results showed that disease activity occurred in 60.3% of patients in the vitamin D group compared to 74.1% in the placebo group. The median time to onset of disease activity was significantly longer with vitamin D (432 days versus 224 days). MRI showed improvement in all secondary parameters favoring vitamin D, including a reduction in contrast-enhancing lesions (18.6% vs. 34.0%). High-dose cholecalciferol reduced disease activity in clinically isolated syndrome and early relapsing-remitting MS. These findings support further research into the use of high-dose vitamin D as an adjunctive therapy, especially in cases where access to disease-modifying therapies is limited. The researchers are seeking to conduct future studies on the use of vitamin D as a complementary therapy, particularly in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
USA Today
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Is Selma Blair game for reprising the icy Vivian in 'Legally Blonde 3?'
Is Selma Blair game for reprising the icy Vivian in 'Legally Blonde 3?' Show Caption Hide Caption Reese Witherspoon to executive produce new 'Legally Blonde' series Prime Video has announced that it has ordered a 'Legally Blonde' prequel series, titled Elle, which will follow he character through her teen years. unbranded - Entertainment Did we just feel a chill in the air? Selma Blair, originator of the role of Elle Woods' law school nemesis in 'Legally Blonde,' says she is ready to bend and snap back into the role of the initially icy Vivian Kensington. When Elle (Reese Witherspoon) enrolled at Harvard Law School ("What, like it's hard?"), desperate to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner (Matthew Davis) in the 2001 feature, she was crushed to learn that he'd already moved on with Vivian (Blair), a brunette no less, in need of mascara and "some serious highlights." Blair did not appear in the film's 2003 sequel, 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde,' when Elle ventured to D.C. to outlaw animal testing. The 52-year-old actress has been able to return to her craft, amid her battle with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), now that she's increased her stamina and is relapse-free. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. Those with RRMS can experience flare-ups during which symptoms are exacerbated for a period of time. Selma Blair opens up about 'cathartic' MS discussions, service dog 'boyfriend' Scout 'Now I maybe take two naps a week, whereas before it was like four naps a day,' Blair says. And having a script decreases her vocal dystonia, which makes her speech sound strained. 'So that was a relief to learn, 'Oh, maybe I can go on a set again. I can deal with this,'' she says. Blair says the jury is still out as to whether she'll appear in 'Legally Blonde 3.' A draft of Elle's next chapter has been completed, co-writer Mindy Kaling confirmed to Variety, but Blair says she hasn't heard anything about her potential involvement. 'I'll just keep my fingers crossed that that's some joyful thing that I could have a cameo in, at least, and be a part of that for a moment,' she says. 'I'd love to see Vivian Kensington again. It was so much fun.' Blair will appear with Judd Hirsch in 'Stay Forte,' a film which dramatizes the kidnapping and deaths of three Israeli hostages. Blair last appeared in the 2021 feature, 'Far More,' also starring Adrian Grenier and Drea de Matteo.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Contineum Therapeutics Reports Fourth-Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Affirms Key Clinical Development Milestones
- Topline data from PIPE-791 Phase 1b positron emission tomography (PET) trial expected in the second quarter of 2025 - Topline data from PIPE-307 Phase 2 VISTA trial for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) anticipated in the second half of 2025 - Cash runway projected through 2027 SAN DIEGO, March 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Contineum Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTNM) (Contineum or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering differentiated therapies for the treatment of neuroscience, inflammation and immunology (NI&I) indications, today reported its fourth-quarter 2024 financial results and affirmed its key clinical development milestones. "2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, as we have several important clinical data readouts and trial initiations on the horizon," said Carmine Stengone, CEO, Contineum Therapeutics. "We expect to be sponsoring up to six clinical trials during the course of the year, with key topline data from our PIPE-791 Phase 1b positron emission tomography (PET) trial in the second quarter of 2025 and from our PIPE-307 Phase 2 VISTA trial for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in the second half of 2025." Stengone continued, "Our potentially best-in-class/first-in-class LPA1 and M1 receptor antagonists support our vision of seeking better and new therapies for patients that have limited options today. With capital that takes us through our critical milestones in 2027, we remain focused on executing against our key clinical development objectives." Key Clinical Development Milestones & Outlook Contineum expects topline data from its PIPE-791 Phase 1b PET trial in the second quarter of 2025. This Phase 1b, open label, single-center trial is designed to measure the correlation of pharmacokinetics to receptor occupancy by PET imaging in healthy volunteers, as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive multiple sclerosis (PrMS) patients. More information on this trial can be found at (NCT06683612). The Company anticipates completing its PIPE-791 long-term chronic toxicity studies in the first half of 2025. Upon successful completion of the PIPE-791 chronic toxicity studies, Contineum plans to initiate Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical trials in IPF and PrMS in the second half of 2025. The Company anticipates topline data from its PIPE-791 Phase 1b chronic pain trial in early 2026. This Phase 1b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial initiated patient dosing in March 2025. PIPE-791 is being evaluated for the treatment of chronic pain associated with two separate indications, osteoarthritis (OA) and low back pain (LBP). Contineum expects topline data from its PIPE-307 Phase 2 VISTA RRMS trial in the second half of 2025. This Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, proof-of-concept trial is designed to assess safety and efficacy in RRMS patients and to measure multiple clinical and imaging endpoints sensitive to changes in remyelination in RRMS. More information on this trial can be found at (NCT06083753). In December 2024, Johnson & Johnson began recruiting an estimated 124 adult participants for a Phase 2 trial of PIPE-307/JNJ-89495120. This trial is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of PIPE-307/JNJ-89495120 as monotherapy in adult participants with major depressive disorder (MDD). More information on this trial can be found at (NCT06785012). The Company plans to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CTX-343 in the second half of 2025. Fourth-Quarter 2024 Financial Results Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $204.8 million as of December 31, 2024. Contineum believes it should have sufficient cash resources to fund its planned operations through 2027. Research and development expenses were $13.0 million, a 62 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2023, largely due to higher clinical development expenses related to the advancement of the Company's PIPE-791 and PIPE-307 programs and higher employee-related costs. The Company believes its full-year 2025 research and development expenses will be significantly higher when compared to the full-year 2024 due to a meaningful increase in clinical development activity across its pipeline. General and administrative expenses were $4.0 million, a $2.4 million increase from the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher stock-based compensation expense and employee-related costs. Net loss was $14.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $7.8 million for the prior-year quarter. About Contineum Therapeutics Contineum Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CTNM) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering novel, oral small molecule therapies for NI&I indications with significant unmet need. Contineum is advancing a pipeline of internally-developed programs with multiple drug candidates now in clinical trials. PIPE-791 is an LPA1 receptor antagonist in clinical development for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, progressive multiple sclerosis and chronic pain, and PIPE-307 is a selective inhibitor of the M1 receptor in clinical development for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and major depressive disorder. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release, other than historical information, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's clinical trial and product development plans and timelines, including, but not limited to, the expected timing of the topline data from the PIPE-791 Phase 1b PET trial or from the PIPE-307 Phase 2 VISTA RRMS trial; whether or not the PIPE-791 long-term chronic toxicity studies will be successfully completed or the expected timing for completion; the Company's expectations related to the FDA submission process and timelines for CTX-343; its cash runway; the indications, anticipated benefits of, and market opportunities for its drug candidates; its business strategies and plans; and the quotations of the Company's management. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that are in some cases beyond the Company's control and may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, include, but are not limited to, the following: the Company is heavily dependent on the success of PIPE-791 and PIPE-307, both of which are in the early stages of clinical development, and neither of these drug candidates may progress through clinical development or receive regulatory approval; the results of earlier preclinical studies and clinical trials, including those conducted by third parties, may not be predictive of future results and unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate efficacy of the Company's drug candidates may limit their development, regulatory approval and/or commercialization; the timing and outcome of research, development and regulatory review is uncertain; clinical trials and preclinical studies may not proceed at the time or in the manner expected, or at all; the potential for our programs and prospects to be negatively impacted by developments relating to our competitors, including the results of studies or regulatory determinations relating to our competitors; risks associated with reliance on third parties to successfully conduct clinical trials and, in the case of PIPE-307, the Company's reliance, pursuant to a global license and development agreement, upon Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, to develop PIPE-307 for any other indication other than RRMS and, after completion of the Company's PIPE-307 Phase 2 VISTA trial, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV's decision, in its sole discretion, whether or not to further develop PIPE-307 for RRMS; the Company has incurred significant operating expenses since inception and it expects that its operating expenses will continue to significantly increase for the foreseeable future; the Company's license agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV may not result in the successful development of PIPE-307; the Company may be unable to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property protection for its technology and drug candidates; and unstable market and economic conditions and military conflict may adversely affect our business and financial condition and the broader economy and biotechnology industry. Additional risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company's business, operations and results are included under the captions, "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in its most recent filing on Form 10-K and in other filings that it makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available on the Company's website at under the Investor section and on the SEC's website at Accordingly, readers should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. CONTINEUM THERAPEUTICS, INC. BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share and par value data) December 31, 2024 2023 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,943 $ 15,526 Marketable securities 182,817 109,664 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,628 2,516 Total current assets 206,388 127,706 Property and equipment, net 989 678 Other long-term assets 3 1,283 Operating lease right-of-use assets 5,467 719 Total assets $ 212,847 $ 130,386 Liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders' equity (deficit) Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,811 $ 635 Accrued expenses 6,711 4,385 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 1,452 464 Total current liabilities 9,974 5,484 Other long-term liabilities — 110 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 4,807 108 Total liabilities 14,781 5,702 Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value; no shares authorized, issued, or outstanding at December 31, 2024; authorized shares—16,940,594 at December 31, 2023; issued and outstanding shares—15,906,236 shares at December 31, 2023. — 192,620 Stockholders' equity (deficit): Class A common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized shares—200,000,000 and 39,630,511 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; issued and outstanding shares—19,125,377 and 2,349,554 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. 19 2 Class B common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized shares—20,000,000 at December 31, 2024; issued and outstanding shares—6,729,172 at December 31, 2024; no shares authorized, issued, or outstanding at December 31, 2023. 7 — Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; authorized shares—10,000,000 at December 31, 2024; no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2024; no shares authorized, issued, or outstanding at December 31, 2023 — — Additional paid-in-capital 315,371 7,098 Accumulated deficit (117,402 ) (75,144 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income 71 108 Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 198,066 (67,936 ) Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 212,847 $ 130,386 CONTINEUM THERAPEUTICS, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (in thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months EndedDecember 31, Years EndedDecember 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue: License revenue $ — $ — $ — $ 50,000 Operating expenses: Research and development 13,014 8,012 38,422 27,603 General and administrative 4,033 1,664 12,472 6,320 Total operating expenses 17,047 9,676 50,894 33,923 Income (loss) from operations (17,047 ) (9,676 ) (50,894 ) 16,077 Other income (expense): Interest income 2,528 1,790 8,905 4,606 Interest expense — — — (208 ) Change in fair value of warrant liability — 3 (106 ) 5 Change in fair value of investor rights and obligations liability — — — 2,867 Other expense, net (46 ) (47 ) (163 ) (177 ) Total other income 2,482 1,746 8,636 7,093 Income (loss) before income taxes (14,565 ) (7,930 ) (42,258 ) 23,170 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes — (161 ) — 450 Net income (loss) $ (14,565 ) $ (7,769 ) $ (42,258 ) $ 22,720 Other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities (490 ) 197 (37 ) 184 Comprehensive income (loss) $ (15,055 ) $ (7,572 ) $ (42,295 ) $ 22,904 Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, basic $ (14,565 ) $ (7,769 ) $ (42,258 ) $ 3,146 Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, diluted $ (14,565 ) $ (7,769 ) $ (42,258 ) $ 274 Net income (loss) per share, basic (a) $ (0.56 ) $ (3.32 ) $ (2.18 ) $ 1.36 Net income (loss) per share, diluted (a) $ (0.56 ) $ (3.32 ) $ (2.18 ) $ 0.08 Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic 25,815,670 2,337,436 19,352,859 2,308,972 Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted 25,815,670 2,337,436 19,352,859 3,395,514 _____________ (a) Basic and diluted per share amounts are the same for Class A and Class B shares. View source version on Contacts Steve KunszaboContineum TherapeuticsSenior Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications858-649-1158skunszabo@ Sign in to access your portfolio
