In recent years, the Food and Drug Administration approved several new treatments specifically for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. But what about neuroimmunological conditions that do not have FDA approved options and require off-label use of immunomodulatory medications -- conditions like neurosarcoidosis, neuro-Behcet’s, or central nervous system involvement of systemic rheumatologic conditions? There is often a lack of rigorous evidence to guide treatment of these conditions, leaving experts to rely on individual or institutional experience. Our guest on this episode is Dr. Jeffrey Gelfand, neuroimmunologist and Associate Professor of Neurology at UCSF. He specializes in treating patients with rare neuroinflammatory conditions, and he’ll talk to us about the new drugs for NMO as well as off-label use of immunomodulatory therapies for a range of neurological conditions. Dr. Gelfand was interviewed by ANA producer Dr. Rohini Samudralwar. Series 2, Episode #9

Disclosures: Dr. Gelfand receives research support to UCSF for clinical trial from Rosch and Genetech; provides consulting to Biogen