RealTalk MS

Living with depression has been described as "like living under a wet, heavy blanket". It can stop someone from showing up at work, meeting up with friends, and even connecting with their family. 
One out of every two people living with MS will experience depression at some point in their MS journey. The METS for MS study is focused on a novel approach to treating major depressive disorder among people with MS -- one that doesn't require another infusion, injection, or pill.
This week, Dr. Robert Motl, principal investigator for the METS for MS study, joins us to explain what the study is about and what his team is learning.  And Kelly, who lives with progressive MS, joins us to share how her participation in the study became life-changing. 


We'll also tell you about the $500,000 donation to MS research that Fernando Mendoza and his family just made.
We're sharing the details about the CAR-NKT cell therapy for MS that's being developed at UCLA.
You'll learn about the novel nanoparticle therapy for MS that's being developed by a team at Syracuse University's BioInspired Institute.
And we're sharing the surprising results of a study that measured the effectiveness of Rituximab versus Ocrevus. 
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: A study focusing on a novel approach to treating MS-related depression  :22
Fernando Mendoza and his family donate $500,000 to MS research  1:18
UCLA research team receives a $7.49 million dollar grant to develop CAR-NKT therapy for MS  2:22
Syracuse University research team receives NIH grant to develop novel nanoparticle therapy for MS   6:22
Study results: Rituximab and Ocrevus were compared head-to-head and the results are surprising   9:43
Dr. Robert Motl explains the Mood and Exercise Training Study for Multiple Sclerosis, and Kelly explains how her participation in the study turned out to be life-changing  14:22
Share this episode  35:43
Next week  36:03

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ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
STUDY: Rituximab versus Ocrelizumab in Newly Diagnosed Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2600993
PARTICIPATE: Mood and Exercise Training Study for Multiple Sclerosis (METS for MS)
Email: METSforMS@uic.edu 
Phone Ariel: (312) 355-1790
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
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RealTalk MS Episode 463
Guest: Dr. Robert Motl, Kelly
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The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that people living with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations at work. That law also applies to students attending most colleges and universities. And the ADA doesn't limit itself to physical disabilities. It's often applied to invisible disabilities, as well.
This week, Britt Neff, the Access Specialist at the University of Washington School of Law, joins me to explain all the ways the accommodation process can work for college students living with MS.  


We'll also tell you about PTD802, an oral remyelination therapy that's just been given a green light from the FDA to begin human clinical trials
We're sharing evidence from an important study that should make you feel more confident about getting those MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and chickenpox vaccines.
You'll learn what researchers at the Cleveland Clinic discovered when they asked the question, "Can someone living with MS over the age of 60 discontinue their disease-modifying therapy?"
And we're sharing the details about an AI application that can predict -- with 90% accuracy -- whether someone with MS is at risk of experiencing cognitive decline over the next few years. 
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Understanding "reasonable accommodation" at college  :22
FDA approves oral remyelination therapy PTD802 for Phase 1 clinical trial  1:07
Study results: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and chickenpox vaccines are shown to be safe for people with MS  4:52
Study results: Is it safe for someone living with MS over 60 to discontinue their DMT?   7:34
Study results: AI predicts future cognitive changes among people with MS with 90% accuracy   10:45
Britt Neff explains the many types of accommodation available to college students with MS  15:01
Share this episode  28:24
Next week  28:44

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/462
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
Pheno Therapeutics
https://phenotherapeutics.com

STUDY: Live Attenuated MMR and Varicella Vaccinations and Multiple Sclerosis Activity
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2849165
STUDY: Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Over Age 60: Comparing Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Disease-Modifying Therapy Continuers and Discontinuers
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20552173261448005
STUDY: Explainable Artificial Intelligence to Predict Neurocognitive Disorder Progression in Multiple Sclerosis Using MRI and Clinical Data
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ene.70568

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REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
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RealTalk MS Episode 462
Guest: Britt Neff
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A short while ago, we shared very positive results from the Phase 3 clinical trials for fenebrutinib in both relapsing-remitting and primary progressive MS. Those results have been submitted to the FDA for approval.
This week, Dr. Jiwon Oh, the principal investigator in one of the Phase 3 trials for fenebrutinib, walks us through these positive results and explains what makes fenebrutinib a different kind of disease-modifying therapy and who might benefit most from it.  


We're also talking about the European approval of Cenrifki (Tolebrutinib) to treat nonrelapsing secondary progressive MS, and we'll share our perspective on why the FDA should have -- and should still -- approve this DMT in the U.S.
We'll tell you about two studies funded by the National MS Society that will focus on identifying links between menopause and MS.
We'll share some sobering news about healthcare affordability in America.
And we'll share some good news from the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, along with an opportunity for you to spend just 5 minutes doing some important advocacy work.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: Fenebrutinib has been submitted to the FDA for approval  :22
Cenrifki (Tolebrutinib) approved in Europe for Nonrelapsing Secondary Progressive MS  1:09
National MS Society funds two studies to identify links between menopause and MS  4:19
Healthcare has become unaffordable for the majority of Americans  8:23
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has approved $20 million in funding for the MS Research Program   11:57
Dr. Jiwon Oh explains why Fenebrutinib is a different kind of disease-modifying therapy, and who may benefit from it  15:36
Share this episode  32:22
Next week  32:43

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/461
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
PHASE 3 CLINICAL TRIAL: Tolebrutinib in Nonrelapsing Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa2415988

VIDEO: Principal Investigator Dr. Robert Fox Discusses the Phase 3 clinical trial for Tolebrutinib in Nonrelapsing Secondary Progressive MS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJQ93qdlXrU
GALLUP POLL: U.S. Adults' Ability to Afford Healthcare at a Five-Year Low
https://news.gallup.com/poll/710942/adults-ability-afford-healthcare-five-year-low.aspx
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
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REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 461
Guest: Dr. Jiwon Oh
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Next week, Matt Knaggs and Colin Goodman will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for running the 350-mile length of Ireland with MS. This week, you'll meet Matt and Colin and learn why this undertaking is so important to each of them. 


We're also sharing survey results that point to gaps in how we approach MS care from the day of diagnosis.
We'll tell you what it really means when you read that the prevalence of MS is increasing. It isn't bad news at all!
We'll provide you with all the details you need to register for ECTRIMS Patient Community Day.
And, if you can spare 20 minutes, we'll tell you how you can participate in an MS research study from the comfort of your own home.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: We're hitting the open road in Ireland with Matt Knaggs and Colin Goodman  :22
Survey points to gaps in how we approach MS care from day one  2:48
What does the increase in MS prevalence really mean?  8:48
Register for ECTRIMS 2026 Patient Community Day  12:33
An opportunity for you to participate in MS research without leaving home   14:10
Matt Knaggs and Colin Goodman talk about their attempt to set a Guinness World Record for running the length of Ireland with MS  15:56
Share this episode  32:13
Next week  32:33

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/460
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
STUDY: Understanding the Unmet Needs of People with MS at Diagnosis and Throughout Their Care Journey: Insights from a Survey-Based Study
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40120-026-00942-y

STUDY: Drivers of Prevalence in Major Motor Neurodegenerative Diseases: Temporal Trends in Sweden and France (2003-2022)
https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000218072
REGISTER: ECTRIMS 2026 Patient Community Day
https://www.ectrimspatientcommunity.eu
PARTICPATE IN RESEARCH: Survey: Automatic and Reflective Determinants, Fatigue, and Physical Activity for People with Multiple Sclerosis
https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_douenJftXAcGxVk
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 460
Guest: Matt Knaggs, Colin Goodman
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For years, the standard medical advice for someone diagnosed with multiple sclerosis was simple, cautious, and as we now know, incredibly limiting: "Take it easy. Don't overexert yourself. And get plenty of rest." 
Today, like almost every other aspect of MS care, neurological rehabilitation is being entirely rewritten. It's no longer about just managing decline; it's about leveraging emerging technologies to proactively build resilience, retrain the brain, and adopt cutting-edge exercise science to fundamentally change the trajectory of life with MS.
This week, three experts share their thoughts on what MS rehabilitation looks like in 2026...and it's not your father's MS rehab!


Dr. Brian Sandroff breaks down his groundbreaking research on how tailored exercise regimens—like treadmill walking—can actually improve memory, boost processing speed, and spark cognitive recovery.
Dr. Brad Willingham discusses the game-changing world of continuous remote monitoring, explaining how wearable sensors and AI are turning real-world, 24/7 data into hyper-personalized, dynamic treatment plans.
And Dr. Laura Rice delivers a practical exercise blueprint for individuals with MS who use wheelchairs. You'll learn how to jumpstart a safe fitness routine while effectively managing risks like heat sensitivity, shoulder overuse, skin breakdown, and the fear of falling.
We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??!

This Week: We're taking a deep dive into MS rehabilitation :22
Dr. Brian Sandroff answers the question, "Can exercise be used to treat cognitive impairment?"    2:10
Dr. Brad Willingham explains how AI can play a meaningful role in MS rehabilitation and clinical care  13:41
Dr. Laura Rice shares tips and strategies for exercising safely if you rely on a wheelchair for mobility   26:18
Share this episode  46:27
Next week  46:47

SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS
Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/459
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts!
Email: jon@realtalkms.com
Phone: (310) 526-2283
And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group!

LINKS
If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com
JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group
https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms
REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review
http://www.realtalkms.com/review

Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com.
RealTalk MS Episode 459
Guest: Dr. Brian Sandroff, Dr. Brad Willingham, and Dr. Laura Rice
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