Latest news with #multipleSclerosis
Reuters
21-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Drugmaker Biogen to invest $2 billion more in North Carolina
July 21 (Reuters) - Biogen (BIIB.O), opens new tab will invest an additional $2 billion in its existing manufacturing in North Carolina, the drugmaker said on Monday, as it seeks to expand its presence in the U.S. amid President Donald Trump's tariff threats. The company said the investment will go to its manufacturing plants in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park (RTP), which produce its major therapies for multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. Biogen has invested about $10 billion in its North Carolina manufacturing to date. The drugmaker said it plans to continue investing in multiple modalities and factories across its two campuses in RTP.
WebMD
09-07-2025
- Health
- WebMD
When Passing Gas Is a Struggle in MS
At first, I thought it was just an isolated incident. I even thought I was making it up. But then, it happened again. I couldn't burp. The walls of my esophagus were stuck together. I figured, this ain't normal. Now what is this? I always knew that MS had affected my 'tubes' because I feel things inside that other people don't. Hypersensitivity isn't just on the surface of my skin but also internally. I noticed it first when I got pregnant with my second baby, when I still didn't know I had multiple sclerosis. But that's a story for another day. Of course, when I mentioned this to my doctor, he didn't validate what I was saying. He gave me that look again, like I had six heads. Ugh, it's so irritating! Then I remembered that I'm the one living with MS, not him. What does he know? I can't even associate this with a particular food or anything else that could possibly cause this bizarre symptom. It's not a constant issue, but it's definitely real. I know that it's as if my esophagus is contracted or something, and I have to force the burp. I have to pretend that I'm burping for my esophagus to react, and then I burp for real. Now, burping is not the only problem I have with passing gas. I also struggle with flatulence. I know, I'm a mess! It's simply impossible for me to 'break wind' without some help. What do I mean by that? Well, here's where it gets funny as hell. I need to manually crank it to 'let it out.' Hilarious! Oh, I can't stop laughing! I should've included this in my three-part blog series about weird symptoms of MS. At least I know I'm not alone on this one because I saw a video of another MSer that struggles to break wind as well. So chill, I'm not that weird. LOL! Spasticity and weakness in the pelvic floor muscles are associated with problems passing gas. This causes what is known as trapped gas. The anal sphincter, in charge of opening and closing the anus, is included in the pelvic floor muscles group. MS can also affect our lower gut, as changes in the nervous system impact the gastrointestinal functions. During the process of digestion, the muscles in the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and rectum need to contract and relax. These involuntary contractions are called GI motility. Because MS interrupts the transmission of signals from our brain through our spinal cord to our digestive system, it slows down these movements and causes bowel dysfunction. Ever since these issues started I've been having very loud, almost vocal, intestinal movements. You could hear it from a mile away. It's loud, prolonged, and comical. Frankly, it is quite amusing and entertaining. Oh, we all laugh so hard when it happens! I almost forgot to mention my also loud voicebox or larynx. Oh my, this is ridiculous! Out of nowhere, this noise comes out of my throat inadvertently. Turns out that weak throat muscles involved in problems swallowing, or dysphagia, are related to these throat gurgles. I would've never imagined, not in a million years, that I would be living through these things one day. What happened to me? How did I get to this point? It's super funny, but also super embarrassing. All these physiological changes MS has put me through were completely unexpected. I wasn't prepared for any of this. I've been learning as I go. The reason why I share these experiences in my blog is because I'm sure there's someone out there just as puzzled as me, going through the same things. In the real world, among the 'healthy ones,' this would be considered super weird. Our symptomatology is so different from others that we tend to not bring it up in any conversation out of fear of being embarrassed. But unfortunately, these are part of those invisible symptoms we have with multiple sclerosis that people have no idea we are dealing with. Then, the non-validation or so-called gaslighting we sometimes get from our own medical providers — just because they can't connect the dots or because they read about it in a book but they have no idea what it feels like — adds to the frustration. These dysfunctions are well explained in the literature, but they could present themselves in various odd ways and still have the same source. But if you haven't felt it in your own flesh and bones, you'll be clueless. I never thought I could be so blunt. Opening up about this kind of thing gives me the validation my doctors won't. It also, in a way, makes me feel empowered. Why? Because I know now that there's so much more to multiple sclerosis than what any book or study can say. And that is something only I as a patient can testify to.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Volunteer's award for 40 years of treating MS
A volunteer has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to helping ease the symptoms of patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Keith Taylor, 84, from Yatton in Somerset, co-founded the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Bristol after his wife developed the autoimmune disease in 1973. The centre treats patients with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which increases the delivery of oxygen to the body. Mr Taylor was recently awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for his work. "I'm one of these folk that needs a role, a purpose, and this has provided me with that," he said. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol When his wife Pat Taylor was diagnosed with the lifelong condition, "there was virtually nothing available to help", he said. "We eventually heard about hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the States," Mr Taylor said. "When people breathe almost pure oxygen under increased pressure, like a diving chamber, that increases the amount of oxygen that can go into the body – it helps with healing and comfort." The first centre opened in Nailsea, Somerset, in 1985 and in 2012 it moved to The Brightwell in Bradley Stoke. Mrs Taylor died in 2010, so was not able to see the new centre open – but Keith continued volunteering there. Mr Taylor said he "couldn't believe it" when he heard his community and local church had put him forward for the British Empire Medal. "It really did knock me back on my feet, everyone has said it's well deserved, but I've just done things I enjoy doing and I find very rewarding. "It never occurred to me anything like his would ever happen – it's absolutely fantastic," he added. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. 'This chamber transformed my fight with long Covid' 'Pride meant I didn't discuss my MS diagnosis' Women with MS call for change to benefits criteria The Brightwell
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Volunteer is awarded after 40 years of treating MS patients
Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley BBC News, West of England John Darvall BBC Radio Bristol BBC Keith Taylor said volunteering at the therapy centre he co-founded has given him "a purpose" A volunteer has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to helping ease the symptoms of patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Keith Taylor, 84, from Yatton in Somerset, co-founded the West of England MS Therapy Centre in Bristol after his wife developed the autoimmune disease in 1973. The centre treats patients with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which increases the delivery of oxygen to the body. Mr Taylor was recently awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours for his work. "I'm one of these folk that needs a role, a purpose, and this has provided me with that," he said. When his wife Pat Taylor was diagnosed with the lifelong condition, "there was virtually nothing available to help", he said. "We eventually heard about hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the States," Mr Taylor said. "When people breathe almost pure oxygen under increased pressure, like a diving chamber, that increases the amount of oxygen that can go into the body – it helps with healing and comfort." The first centre opened in Nailsea, Somerset, in 1985 and in 2012 it moved to The Brightwell in Bradley Stoke. Mrs Taylor died in 2010, so was not able to see the new centre open – but Keith continued volunteering there. Mr Taylor said he "couldn't believe it" when he heard his community and local church had put him forward for the British Empire Medal. "It really did knock me back on my feet, everyone has said it's well deserved, but I've just done things I enjoy doing and I find very rewarding. "It never occurred to me anything like his would ever happen – it's absolutely fantastic," he added. Related internet links
Associated Press
07-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
BioNxt's Sublingual Cladribine Program for MS Ready for Next Phase
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 7, 2025 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ('BioNxt' or the 'Company') (CSE:BNXT)(OTC:XPHYF)(FSE:4XT), a bioscience innovator specializing in advanced drug delivery systems, is pleased to announce the receipt of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for its lead product candidate, BNT23001. This proprietary sublingual thin-film formulation of cladribine is being developed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The delivery of the cladribine API enables the commencement of clinical batch manufacturing in collaboration with BioNxt's European contract research and development partner, Gen-Plus GmbH & Co KG, based in Munich, Germany. This milestone supports the company's plan to initiate a human bioequivalence study in the second half of 2025. BNT23001 is designed to offer a patient-friendly alternative to traditional oral cladribine tablets, such as Mavenclad®, by providing a rapidly dissolving sublingual film. This delivery method aims to enhance patient compliance, particularly for individuals with MS who experience dysphagia, a common symptom affecting the ability to swallow. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that BNT23001 achieves high absorption rates and bioequivalence to existing oral therapies, with no adverse toxic effects observed. These findings support the progression to human bioequivalence studies. BioNxt has also made significant strides in securing intellectual property rights for BNT23001. The company has initiated patent nationalization processes in key jurisdictions, including Europe, the United States, and Canada, with patent grants anticipated by mid-2025. 'The receipt of the cladribine API is a pivotal step forward in our mission to develop innovative, patient-centric therapies for MS,' said Hugh Rogers, CEO of BioNxt Solutions. 'We are committed to advancing BNT23001 through clinical development and bringing this novel treatment option to patients worldwide.' About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next‐generation drug delivery technologies, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. The Company's proprietary platforms-Sublingual (Thin‐Film), Transdermal (Skin Patch), and Oral (Enteric‐Coated Tablets)-target key therapeutic areas, including autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and longevity. With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient‐centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide. BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit . Investor Relations & Media Contact Hugh Rogers, Co‐Founder, CEO and Director Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 778.598.2698 Web: LinkedIn: Instagram: Cautionary Statement Regarding 'Forward‐Looking' Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed 'forward-looking statements'. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words 'expects', 'plans', 'anticipates', 'believes', 'intends', 'estimates', 'projects', 'potential' and similar expressions, or that events or conditions 'will', 'would', 'may', 'could' or 'should' occur. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the anticipated filing date of the Annual Filings. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. press release
