Vincent DeOrchis Vincent DeOrchis

CGRP - A New Weapon in the Battle for Migraine Freedom

CGRP was first identified as a molecule of interest in the headache-pain pathway in 1986, but it wasn’t until 2000 when the first agents targeting the CGRP receptor (“gepants”) were developed. The first proof-of-concept study which took place in 2004 demonstrated a significant reduction in migraine symptoms when administered during the attack. Unfortunately future progress was stymied in 2009 when an early molecule, oral talcagepant, was associated with elevated liver enzymes and the trial was subsequently halted. The progress these agents made nevertheless supported further development and spurred the creation of second generation agents which showed far more promise without the risk of liver toxicity and better tolerability than was seen with the triptan agents.

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Vincent DeOrchis Vincent DeOrchis

Dr. DeOrchis and NKMAX partner to obtain FDA clearance for experimental Alzheimer‘s disease drug for compassionate use in U.S.

As reported in Pulse News, “NKMAX, a NK cell-based immunotherapy company in Korea, Wednesday said an investigational cell therapeutic SNK01 from its subsidiary NKGen Biotech (formerly NKMAX America) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with Alzheimer’s disease in compassionate use programs…Approval was given to Dr. Vincent Deorchis of St. Francis Hospital in New York, and he will use SNK01 for the treatment of eligible patients.”

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Tracy DeAngelis, M.D. Tracy DeAngelis, M.D.

Advancements in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis - 2022 Update

Over the past two decades, the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) has achieved significant milestones, particularly in advancing the understanding of disease pathogenesis and available treatments for patients living with MS. Refinements of diagnostic criteria and a revolutionary expansion of therapeutics, targeting both relapsing and progressive forms of MS, have made notable impacts on patient outcomes and quality of life. In contrast to the early 1990s, when only steroids could manage acute exacerbations, there are now over 20 FDA approved disease modifying therapies in this brimming armamentarium. Despite such advancements, there is still much work to be done to improve MS care.

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Vincent DeOrchis Vincent DeOrchis

FDA Approves First Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease in Almost 20 Years

On June 7, 2021, the FDA made a controversial and unexpected decision to greenlight a novel therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, the first approved for this condition since 2003. ADUHELM (aducanumab), manufactured by Biogen, marks a new class of cognitive therapy – a monoclonal antibody directed at amyloid beta aggregates and soluble oligomers, the pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Vincent DeOrchis Vincent DeOrchis

Recognition for participation in INROADS Trial

Drs. Tracy DeAngelis and Richard Blanck, and study coordinator Stella Gurgova, recognized for their participation in the INROADs trial which investigates an extended release form of amantadine as an alternative therapy for multiple sclerosis associated gait decline:

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