NEDA-5: Neurofilaments

NEDA or 'No Evidence of Disease Activity' currently uses 4 parameters that are routinely collected in contemporary clinical trials:
NEDA-4

NEDA has largely come into fruition with the introduction of highly active therapies, which for the first time allow us to achieve disease remission in MS. These therapies have set the benchmark, and as they grow in number so do our treatment expectations. And here starts the evolution in our definition of MS treatment strategies.

The Holy Grail of MS treatment strategy will always be in my books the achievement of biological remission, i.e. no further loss of axons or neurones throughout an MSer's life. We have in the past repeatedly blogged on neurofilaments as measures of axonal/neuronal integrity, disability progression and neuroprotection (insert 'neurofilaments' into the search this blog to find out more). As a strategy it is the future, but, I do not intend for it to remain simply a legend in the MS literature...

Therefore after extensive discussion, 'Barts MS' have decided to offer blood and CSF neurofilaments on the National Health Service on request via your doctor.

Sometimes you have to run before you can walk and that is how you push the boundaries of science, and in this case MS.


Mount Etna (located in Sicily) is Europe's tallest active volcano (the summit, on your right ~ 3300m high). Its eruptions cause widespread destruction and death, but is also vital for the nations survival.

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