The Oxford Neuromyelitis Optica team hosted the MOGAD Eugene Devic European Network (MEDEN) workshop this June.
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that mainly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. It is sometimes referred to as NMO spectrum disorder or NMOSD.
MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease) is a neurological, immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that causes inflammation and potential damage in the optic nerve, spinal cord, brain and/or brainstem.
This NMOSD and MOGAD meeting consisted of European and other international experts from the US, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Israel and China and a number of fellows who presented their latest research data.
The main topics were 'MOGAD: the diagnostic criteria and implications and future', 'Biomarkers in individual patients: their pathological accuracy and clinical predictive value', 'Clinical trials: maximizing their value', and 'Comorbidities and other symptoms'. Lively debates around controversial areas were also included.
The workshop agreed on key European projects to take forward and funding will also be used to cover a fellow to cover one of these projects.