Living Beyond the Diagnosis

Welcome back to my blog, where I share my journey of living with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and participating in the MyTrial program. This is my fourth post, and today, I want to dive into the exciting first steps after the initial testing. If you’re also an MSA sufferer or just interested in the latest advancements in treatment, this post is for you.

After completing the initial battery of tests, my doctors identified two potential treatments to kick off my journey with MyTrial: Exenatide, a GLP1 agonist, and Foralumab, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Let me share why these treatments were chosen and what the doctors had to say about them.

Foralumab (Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibody)

What is Foralumab?

Foralumab is an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody delivered as a nasal spray. The concept behind using Foralumab is to modulate the immune system in a way that could potentially reduce neuroinflammation, a key factor in MSA progression.

Why Foralumab?

I had a lot of questions about this treatment, especially since it’s still in the trial phase. The doctors explained that they haven’t started the clinical trial for Foralumab specifically for MSA yet. However, they have MSA patients taking other immunomodulatory drugs within a similar testing framework. Past studies, like one with Verdiperstat, showed a decrease in neuroinflammation among some patients. This promising result prompted the idea of launching a trial with Foralumab.

What to Expect?

The plan is to administer Foralumab at home, with a few scheduled in-person visits. This approach aims to make the treatment more accessible and less disruptive to daily life. The team is currently working on getting all the necessary approvals and hopes to start as soon as possible.

Exenatide (GLP1 Agonist)

What is Exenatide?

Exenatide is a GLP1 agonist, typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, but recent studies suggest it might have neuroprotective effects. It’s administered via a subcutaneous injection once a week.

Why Exenatide?

The doctors were thrilled to share that they secured supplies of Exenatide and the necessary injectors for MyTrial participants, thanks to the efforts of Richard Wyse and colleagues at Cure Parkinson’s in the UK. This class of drugs has shown potential in slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, including MSA.

Understanding Differential Response

One of the most exciting aspects of using Exenatide in MyTrial is the opportunity to study how different patients respond to the drug. As the field evolves, it’s becoming clear that treatments may work better for some patients than others. This trial will help us understand why and tailor future therapies more effectively.

Moving Forward

As I begin these treatments, I feel a mix of hope and curiosity. The prospect of potentially slowing down the progression of MSA is incredibly encouraging. I’ll be sharing my experiences with Exenatide and Foralumab in future posts, so stay tuned for updates on how these treatments are impacting my journey.

To my fellow MSA warriors, I hope my journey provides some insight and hope. Participating in trials like MyTrial not only offers potential benefits for us but also contributes to the broader understanding of MSA and its treatment. Together, we’re paving the way for better days ahead.

Thank you for following along. Your support means the world to me. Stay strong, and I’ll see you in the next post.

Warm regards,

~Coach~