The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show

Justin Loizos

A podcast about multiple sclerosis hosted by Justin Loizos. Each episode will explore the world of MS. This will either be done through interviews with MS stakeholders or with Justin providing information about the illness. Thank you for listening. 

  1. 6d ago

    Could Your Eyes Reveal MS Progression? + The Race to Repair Myelin | Just MS News 18 - 24-08-2026

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Just MS News, we’re focusing on two important areas of multiple sclerosis research: understanding progression and repairing damage. 👁️ Could your eyes reveal clues about MS progression? Researchers are investigating whether measurements of retinal layers using OCT — optical coherence tomography — could help identify people at greater risk of future cognitive progression. The study specifically looked at cognitive PIRA — progression independent of relapse activity — and raises an intriguing possibility: could a relatively simple eye scan eventually provide another window into what is happening elsewhere in the nervous system? 🧠 The race to repair myelin Researchers in Germany are developing a transdermal patch designed to deliver low, steady doses of theophylline as a potential approach to promoting remyelination. The patch has NOT been shown to repair myelin in people with MS. It remains experimental and is moving toward early human testing. But the bigger story is how many different approaches researchers are now taking toward remyelination. We look at the new patch alongside some of the other myelin-repair research we’ve been following. This week’s sources: 🔶 Retinal layers and cognitive progression in MS https://visualize.jove.com/42562954-Retinal-layers-prognosticate-cognitive-progression-independent-of-relapse-activity-in-multiple-sclerosis 🔶 A Transdermal Patch to Promote Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Patients — Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz https://cnb-idn.biologie.uni-mainz.de/a-transdermal-patch-to-promote-remyelination-in-multiple-sclerosis-patients/ For the complete weekly MS news digest — including stories that don’t make the video — visit: https://justmultiplesclerosis.com Understand the progression. And, hopefully one day, repair the damage. Just MS News provides news and information for the MS community and is not medical advice. Always discuss medical decisions with your healthcare team The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments. www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

    Could Your Eyes Reveal MS Progression? + The Race to Repair Myelin | Just MS News 18 - 24-08-2026

  2. Aug 17

    Big Week in MS Research: CAR-T, New Diagnosis Criteria & Remyelination | Just MS News 11th - 17th

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Just MS News, we look at four developments in multiple sclerosis research and diagnosis — including an important FDA regulatory milestone for CAR-T therapy in progressive MS. This week: 🔶 CAR-T for non-active SPMS The FDA has granted RMAT designation to miv-cel, an experimental CD19 CAR-T therapy being studied in non-active secondary progressive MS. The designation could help accelerate its development — but it is not FDA approval, and the human evidence remains very early. 🔶 New 2024 McDonald Criteria Updated MS diagnostic criteria may allow more people to meet diagnostic criteria earlier. One major change is the inclusion of the optic nerve as a fifth location when evaluating dissemination in space. 🔶 Lucid-MS moves toward Phase 2 Lucid-MS has been cleared to begin Phase 2 testing in progressive MS. The experimental therapy takes a different approach by targeting biological processes associated with myelin damage. Human evidence of benefit in MS has not yet been established. 🔶 Artificial Axons and remyelination research Researchers are developing engineered artificial-axon models that may provide a better way to test potential remyelination drugs before they move toward human trials. This is a drug-discovery platform — not an MS treatment. Related research: Last week, Just MS News covered lab-grown “mini-brains” being used to study myelin repair. This week’s Artificial Axons story tackles a similar problem from a different direction — using engineered nerve-fibre models to test how oligodendrocytes form myelin and how candidate remyelination drugs behave. Together, they highlight a broader challenge in MS research: building better laboratory models before potential treatments move into human trials. Sources: CAR-T / miv-celTitle: Kyverna Therapeutics Reports Pipeline Progress and Second Quarter 2026 Financial ResultsAuthor/Source: Kyverna Therapeutics Published: August 11, 2026 Live link: https://ir.kyvernatx.com/news-releases/ This is the company release announcing that FDA granted RMAT designation to miv-cel for non-active SPMS. 2024 McDonald Criteria / Earlier MS DiagnosisTitle: Applying the 2024-revised McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis using conventional diagnostic tools: a single-centre prospective cohort study in GermanyLead author: F. F. Konen Journal: eClinicalMedicine DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.104098 Live link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537026003512 This is the 215-person study behind the 93.5% vs 84%, optic-nerve 55%, and VEP 89% figures. Lucid-MS / Phase 2Title: FDA Clears Phase 2 Trial for Demyelinating Agent Lucid-MS in Progressive Multiple SclerosisAuthor: Marco Meglio Outlet: NeurologyLive Published: August 13, 2026 Live link: https://www.neurologylive.com/view/fda-clears-phase-2-trial-demyelinating-agent-lucid-ms-progressive-multiple-sclerosis The article covers the FDA-cleared IND, Phase 1 healthy-volunteer results, PAD2 mechanism, and planned randomized Phase 2 trial. Artificial Axons / Remyelination Drug ScreeningTitle: MIT spinout Artificial Axon gets NINDS backing for MS lesion-mimicking drug screening platformSource: AllSci Published: August 11, 2026 Live link: https://allsci.com/news/grants/ms-drug-screening-platform-artificial-axon-labs/ This is the source reporting the $1.48 million NINDS SBIR Phase II funding. For the Artificial Axon science itself, the underlying 2025 paper is also worth linking: Myelin ensheathment and drug responses of oligodendrocytes are modulated by stiffness of artificial axons Mingyu Yang, Calliope J. L. Martin, Kavin Kowsari, Anna Jagielska, Krystyn J. Van Vliet PLOS ONE, 2025 The goal of Just MS News is simple: explain what happened, what the evidence actually shows, and why it matters for people living with MS. Subscribe for weekly MS research, treatment and community news. The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments. www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

    Big Week in MS Research: CAR-T, New Diagnosis Criteria & Remyelination | Just MS News 11th - 17th

  3. Aug 11

    Hidden MS Progression, NAC, Exercise & Christina Applegate Update | Just MS News 04/08 - 10 /08 2026

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Just MS News, we take a closer look at three important stories from the multiple sclerosis community. First, new research in JAMA Neurology strengthens the evidence around GFAP, a blood biomarker that may help researchers track progression independent of relapse activity, or PIRA. The study included more than 2,300 people with MS and over 18,000 blood measurements. That story also connects with a small randomized study of high-dose N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, in progressive MS. Participants received 1,250 mg three times daily for four weeks, and researchers observed a significant difference in GFAP levels compared with placebo. The study was very small and does not show that NAC slows MS progression, but a larger trial is already underway. Next, we review a systematic review of exercise in people with severe MS disability. What can exercise still improve when walking is limited or disability has progressed, and why are nonambulatory people still so underrepresented in exercise research? Finally, Christina Applegate is reportedly back home and doing very well following a months-long hospitalization. Applegate has been living publicly with MS since announcing her diagnosis in 2021. Just MS News looks beyond the headline to explain what the research actually found, what remains uncertain, and why it may matter to people living with MS. Sources include JAMA Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Journal, Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, University of Basel, UCSF, Neurology Advisor, and PEOPLE. Learn more and follow the latest MS news at: www.justmultiplesclerosis.com This content is for news and educational purposes and is not medical advice. The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments. www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

    Hidden MS Progression, NAC, Exercise & Christina Applegate Update | Just MS News 04/08 - 10 /08 2026

  4. Aug 3

    Just MS News: Mini Brains and Myelin Repair, July 28th - Aug 3rd

    Send us Fan Mail This Week on Just MS News This week, we look at three important stories affecting the MS community. Researchers in Australia are using lab grown “mini brains” to investigate how damaged myelin might one day be repaired. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has also treated its first MS participant with experimental CAR T cell therapy, an approach researchers have been watching for years. We also examine a revised Cleveland Clinic protocol designed to help MS clinicians respond more confidently when a patient reports suicidal thoughts. The episode finishes with several additional stories worth checking out, including treatment discontinuation in older adults, EBV vaccine and T cell research, MS treatment sequencing, OCT in diagnosis, and the need for better pain care. Featured stories Researchers use lab grown mini brains to study MS repair Sheffield treats its first MS participant with CAR T cell therapy Cleveland Clinic revises its suicidal ideation protocol for MS care More stories worth checking out Stopping disease modifying therapies in older, stable patients EBV vaccine and T cell trials in MS Framework for sequencing MS treatments OCT and the updated McDonald diagnostic criteria Why MS pain needs more attention Visit Just Multiple Sclerosis for the always open MS news stream, past weekly editions, community updates, and Sudoku Omega, a free sudoku game I built to help you slow down, focus, and relax. Follow Just Multiple Sclerosis on Instagram and Facebook for weekly clips, updates, and community highlights. Mental Health and Crisis Support United States: Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day across the United States and its territories.  Canada: Call or text 988 to reach the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Support is available nationwide, 24 hours a day, in English and French. Visit 988.ca. Other countries: Find verified crisis and emotional-support services in your country through Find A Helpline or Befrienders Worldwide.  If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments. www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

    Just MS News: Mini Brains and Myelin Repair, July 28th - Aug 3rd

  5. Jul 27

    REMYELINATION RESEARCH, FAMPRIDINE ACCESS & MS MORTALITY DISPARITIES | JUST MS NEWS 20/07 - 27/07/2026

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Just MS News, we lead with encouraging—but still early remyelination research. Scientists have identified an experimental small molecule that promoted oligodendrocyte development and remyelination in preclinical models. We explain how this candidate differs from PTD802, the remyelination therapy we recently covered as it prepared to enter human testing. We also look at: • Fampridine becoming routinely available through NHS England for eligible adults with MS-related walking difficulties • Evidence examining whether treatment escalation after clinically silent MRI lesions may reduce future relapse risk • New research exploring how anti-CD20 therapies may affect protective immune cells originating in the gut • A large U.S. analysis identifying racial, geographic and age-related disparities in MS-associated mortality • Two brothers continuing their remarkable marathon journey using an adaptive racing wheelchair ARTICLES AND SOURCES 1. A Novel Small Molecule Remyelination Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis    Source: npj Drug Discovery    https://www.nature.com/articles/s44386-026-00060-7 2. Thousands With MS to Get Fampridine on the NHS to Help Them Walk More Freely    Source: NHS England    https://www.england.nhs.uk/2026/07/thousands-ms-life-changing-drug-nhs-help-walk-more-freely/ Clinical commissioning policy: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/clinical-commissioning-policy-prolonged-released-pr-fampridine-as-a-treatment-of-adults-with-multiple-sclerosis-and-associated-walking-impairment/ 3. Treatment Escalation After Clinically Silent MRI Lesions in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis    Source: Brain    https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awag252/8741305 4. Anti-CD20 B-Cell Depletion Is Associated With Elevated Mucosal-Originating Circulating Immune Cells    Source: Science Translational Medicine    https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.aee1580 5. Racial and Ethnic Trends and Comorbidity Patterns in Multiple Sclerosis Mortality    Source: Neurology Open Access    https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WN9.0000000000000148 6. Man With MS Does Marathons With a Push From His Brother    Source: Deseret News    https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/07/22/deseret-news-marathon-brian-danny-connolly-wheelchair-ms-people-with-disabilities/ Just MS News provides accessible summaries of multiple sclerosis news and research. This episode is for informational purposes and should not replace guidance from your healthcare team. Visit Just Multiple Sclerosis: https://www.justmultiplesclerosis.com Listen to the podcast: https://www.justmultiplesclerosis.com/podcast #MultipleSclerosis #MSNews #Remyelination #MSResearch #Fampridine #MultipleSclerosisResearch The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments. www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

    REMYELINATION RESEARCH, FAMPRIDINE ACCESS & MS MORTALITY DISPARITIES | JUST MS NEWS 20/07 - 27/07/2026

  6. Jul 20

    New EBV Clues, Early Pediatric MS Treatment Stopping DMTs and an MS Wedding | Just MS News July 13th - 19th 2026

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Just MS News, we examine new research that may help clarify how Epstein–Barr virus fits into the immune process behind multiple sclerosis. We also look at evidence supporting earlier high-efficacy treatment for pediatric-onset MS, the DOT-MS trial on stopping treatment after years of stable disease, virtual-reality rehabilitation for cognitive symptoms, and a Colorado community story about mobility, rehabilitation and assistive technology. This episode covers: • A more specific EBV-reactive T-cell response identified in people with untreated MS • Earlier high-efficacy treatment and long-term disability outcomes in pediatric MS • What happened when people with stable MS stopped certain disease-modifying therapies • Virtual-reality rehabilitation for cognition and mood • A bride with MS who prepared for a supported 68-foot aisle walk Articles and Research CD4+ T Cells Reactive to Epstein–Barr Virus Late Lytic Antigens Are Enriched in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis Source: Science Translational Medicine Authors: Kjetil Bjornevik and colleagues Read the study Early High-Efficacy Therapy May Reduce Disability in Pediatric MS Source: Neurology Advisor Based on research published in Neurology Read the article Discontinuation of Disease-Modifying Therapy in Patients With Stable Multiple Sclerosis—Clinical Trial of the Year Source: JAMA Neurology Author: S. Andrew Josephson, MD Read the editorial Discontinuation of First-Line Disease-Modifying Therapy in Patients With Stable Multiple Sclerosis: The DOT-MS Randomized Clinical Trial Source: JAMA Neurology Authors: Eline M. E. Coerver, Wing Hee Fung, Janet de Beukelaar and colleagues Read the original trial Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Cognitive Function and Mood in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Source: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Authors: Jiongliang Zhang, Minmin Wu, Jinting Li, Wenjing Song, Xiaoguang Lin and Luwen Zhu Read the study on PubMed Colorado Bride With MS Surprises Wedding Guests by Walking Down the Aisle Source: 9NEWS Colorado Read the story Visit Just Multiple Sclerosis for the complete weekly digest: https://justmultiplesclerosis.com Subscribe for calm, clear and accessible weekly MS news without the information overload. #MultipleSclerosis #MSNews #JustMSNews #MSResearch #EpsteinBarrVirus #PediatricMS #MSRehabilitation The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments. www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

    New EBV Clues, Early Pediatric MS Treatment Stopping DMTs and an MS Wedding | Just MS News July 13th - 19th 2026

  7. Jul 13

    Just MS News: AI Finds Hidden MS Lesions and Rituximab Faces Ocrevus Head-to-Head, 06/07- 12/07/2026

    Send us Fan Mail This week on the Just MS Show, we look at five important multiple sclerosis stories. Researchers used artificial intelligence to identify gray matter lesions that can be difficult to see on standard MRI scans. We also examine a head-to-head trial comparing rituximab with Ocrevus in newly diagnosed relapsing MS. Other stories include the completion of enrollment in a nasal foralumab trial for non-active secondary progressive MS, early research into how myelin damage may affect brain activity during sleep, and a $500,000 gift supporting MS research from Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza and his family. The Just MS Show delivers calm, clear and accessible MS news without hype or information overload. Show Notes AI reveals previously hidden gray matter lesions in MS Researchers developed an artificial intelligence method that can identify cortical lesions that are often difficult to see on conventional MRI scans. Read the article from News-Medical Rituximab compares closely with Ocrevus in early relapsing MS trial The OVERLORD-MS trial compared rituximab with Ocrevus in people with newly diagnosed relapsing MS and found rituximab was noninferior for preventing new or enlarging MRI lesions during the study period. Read the article from Conexiant Neurology Final participant begins treatment in nasal foralumab trial for non-active SPMS Enrollment is complete in the Phase 2 INFORM-MS trial studying intranasal foralumab in people with non-active secondary progressive MS. Full safety and effectiveness results have not yet been released. Read the article from NR Times Myelin damage may alter brain rhythms during sleep Early research suggests that damaged myelin may affect electrical brain activity during sleep. The strongest evidence currently comes from animal research, with further human studies still needed. Read the article from News-Medical Mendoza family presents $500,000 gift for MS research Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza and his family formally presented a $500,000 gift supporting MS research at the University of Miami in honour of his mother, Elsa, who lives with MS. Read the article from 8 News NOW Links Just MS News: https://www.justmultiplesclerosis.com Podcast page: https://www.justmultiplesclerosis.com/podcast Weekly news archive: https://www.justmultiplesclerosis.com/archive The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments. www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

    Just MS News: AI Finds Hidden MS Lesions and Rituximab Faces Ocrevus Head-to-Head, 06/07- 12/07/2026

  8. Jul 6

    Just MS News, Week of June 29– July 06, 2026: Two Stories, One Study: Why MS Progression Can Look So Different

    Send us Fan Mail This week’s Just MS News starts with two stories from the same MS brain-donor study, looking at why progression can differ so much from person to person. We also cover MS Copilot and digital disability monitoring, research into fat-filled immune cells called foamy microglia, an experimental brain implant for speech loss, and Spain’s “Get Wet for MS” campaign supporting neurorehabilitation and research. As always, this update is designed to give the MS community one calm place to catch up on the week’s most relevant news without hype or overload. Live article links Large multiple sclerosis brain cohort reveals biological differences linked to disease severity https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-large-multiple-sclerosis-brain-cohort.htmlBrain Tissue Patterns and Genetics Drive MS Progression https://neurosciencenews.com/multiple-sclerosis-progression-genetics-30961/EAN 2026: MS Copilot shows promise in monitoring disability progression in MS https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/analyst-comment/ean-2026-ms-copilot-shows-promise-in-monitoring-disability-progression-in-ms/Fat-filled immune cells may help explain why some MS progresses faster https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2026/jul/fat-filled-immune-cells-may-help-explain-why-some-ms-progresses-faster.htmlNew brain implant could restore communication for people with speech loss https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260629/New-brain-implant-could-restore-communication-for-people-with-speech-loss.aspxPromote neurorehabilitation and research, challenges of “Mójate por la Esclerosis Múltiple” 2026 https://www.democrata.es/en/health/promote-neurorehabilitation-and-research-challenges-of-mojate-por-la-esclerosis-multiple-2026/The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments. www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

    Just MS News, Week of June 29– July 06, 2026: Two Stories, One Study: Why MS Progression Can Look So Different
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About

A podcast about multiple sclerosis hosted by Justin Loizos. Each episode will explore the world of MS. This will either be done through interviews with MS stakeholders or with Justin providing information about the illness. Thank you for listening. 

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