New Therapeutic Landscape in Neuromyelitis Optica

Purpose of review This review discusses the current treatment trends and emerging therapeutic landscape for patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Recent findings Conventional immune suppressive therapies, such as B cell depletion, have been used for long-term treatment. However, the availability of recent FDA-approved and investigational drugs has made therapeutic choices for NMOSD more complex. Recent randomized clinical trials have shown that eculizumab, inebilizumab, and satralizumab are efficacious therapies for AQP4 seropositive NMOSD. These therapies may not have the same benefit in patients with seronegative NMOSD, including MOG-associated disease, and further investigation is required in this population. Reliable biomarkers to guide therapy decisions are urgently needed. There is a plethora of promising investigational therapies currently in the pipeline with exciting and novel mechanisms of action.

Automated summary

The treatment landscape for patients with NMOSD is becoming more complex with the availability of recent FDA-approved and investigational drugs. Efficacious therapies for AQP4 seropositive NMOSD have been identified, but further investigation is needed for seronegative patients. Reliable biomarkers to guide therapy decisions are urgently required.