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This week on Just MS News, we examine new research that may help clarify how Epstein–Barr virus fits into the immune process behind multiple sclerosis.

We also look at evidence supporting earlier high-efficacy treatment for pediatric-onset MS, the DOT-MS trial on stopping treatment after years of stable disease, virtual-reality rehabilitation for cognitive symptoms, and a Colorado community story about mobility, rehabilitation and assistive technology.

This episode covers:

• A more specific EBV-reactive T-cell response identified in people with untreated MS
• Earlier high-efficacy treatment and long-term disability outcomes in pediatric MS
• What happened when people with stable MS stopped certain disease-modifying therapies
• Virtual-reality rehabilitation for cognition and mood
• A bride with MS who prepared for a supported 68-foot aisle walk

Articles and Research

CD4+ T Cells Reactive to Epstein–Barr Virus Late Lytic Antigens Are Enriched in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
Source: Science Translational Medicine
Authors: Kjetil Bjornevik and colleagues
Read the study

Early High-Efficacy Therapy May Reduce Disability in Pediatric MS
Source: Neurology Advisor
Based on research published in Neurology
Read the article

Discontinuation of Disease-Modifying Therapy in Patients With Stable Multiple Sclerosis—Clinical Trial of the Year
Source: JAMA Neurology
Author: S. Andrew Josephson, MD
Read the editorial

Discontinuation of First-Line Disease-Modifying Therapy in Patients With Stable Multiple Sclerosis: The DOT-MS Randomized Clinical Trial
Source: JAMA Neurology
Authors: Eline M. E. Coerver, Wing Hee Fung, Janet de Beukelaar and colleagues
Read the original trial

Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Cognitive Function and Mood in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Source: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
Authors: Jiongliang Zhang, Minmin Wu, Jinting Li, Wenjing Song, Xiaoguang Lin and Luwen Zhu
Read the study on PubMed

Colorado Bride With MS Surprises Wedding Guests by Walking Down the Aisle
Source: 9NEWS Colorado
Read the story

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https://justmultiplesclerosis.com

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#MultipleSclerosis #MSNews #JustMSNews #MSResearch #EpsteinBarrVirus #PediatricMS #MSRehabilitation

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

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This week on the Just MS Show, we look at five important multiple sclerosis stories.

Researchers used artificial intelligence to identify gray matter lesions that can be difficult to see on standard MRI scans. We also examine a head-to-head trial comparing rituximab with Ocrevus in newly diagnosed relapsing MS.

Other stories include the completion of enrollment in a nasal foralumab trial for non-active secondary progressive MS, early research into how myelin damage may affect brain activity during sleep, and a $500,000 gift supporting MS research from Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza and his family.

The Just MS Show delivers calm, clear and accessible MS news without hype or information overload.

Show Notes

AI reveals previously hidden gray matter lesions in MS

Researchers developed an artificial intelligence method that can identify cortical lesions that are often difficult to see on conventional MRI scans.

Read the article from News-Medical

Rituximab compares closely with Ocrevus in early relapsing MS trial

The OVERLORD-MS trial compared rituximab with Ocrevus in people with newly diagnosed relapsing MS and found rituximab was noninferior for preventing new or enlarging MRI lesions during the study period.

Read the article from Conexiant Neurology

Final participant begins treatment in nasal foralumab trial for non-active SPMS

Enrollment is complete in the Phase 2 INFORM-MS trial studying intranasal foralumab in people with non-active secondary progressive MS. Full safety and effectiveness results have not yet been released.

Read the article from NR Times

Myelin damage may alter brain rhythms during sleep

Early research suggests that damaged myelin may affect electrical brain activity during sleep. The strongest evidence currently comes from animal research, with further human studies still needed.

Read the article from News-Medical

Mendoza family presents $500,000 gift for MS research

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza and his family formally presented a $500,000 gift supporting MS research at the University of Miami in honour of his mother, Elsa, who lives with MS.

Read the article from 8 News NOW

Links

Just MS News:
https://www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

Podcast page:
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Weekly news archive:
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The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

Send us Fan Mail

This week’s Just MS News starts with two stories from the same MS brain-donor study, looking at why progression can differ so much from person to person. We also cover MS Copilot and digital disability monitoring, research into fat-filled immune cells called foamy microglia, an experimental brain implant for speech loss, and Spain’s “Get Wet for MS” campaign supporting neurorehabilitation and research.

As always, this update is designed to give the MS community one calm place to catch up on the week’s most relevant news without hype or overload.

Live article links

1. Large multiple sclerosis brain cohort reveals biological differences linked to disease severity
   https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-large-multiple-sclerosis-brain-cohort.html
2. Brain Tissue Patterns and Genetics Drive MS Progression
   https://neurosciencenews.com/multiple-sclerosis-progression-genetics-30961/
3. EAN 2026: MS Copilot shows promise in monitoring disability progression in MS
   https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/analyst-comment/ean-2026-ms-copilot-shows-promise-in-monitoring-disability-progression-in-ms/
4. Fat-filled immune cells may help explain why some MS progresses faster
   https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2026/jul/fat-filled-immune-cells-may-help-explain-why-some-ms-progresses-faster.html
5. New brain implant could restore communication for people with speech loss
   https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260629/New-brain-implant-could-restore-communication-for-people-with-speech-loss.aspx
6. Promote neurorehabilitation and research, challenges of “Mójate por la Esclerosis Múltiple” 2026
   https://www.democrata.es/en/health/promote-neurorehabilitation-and-research-challenges-of-mojate-por-la-esclerosis-multiple-2026/

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

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This week on Just MS News, we reviewed 139 MS-related articles from June 22–28, 2026, and narrowed them down to the stories most worth your time.

The lead story this week is early, but meaningful: PTD802, an oral remyelination therapy, has been cleared for its first human trial. It is not an approved treatment, and it is not a cure. But for people living with MS, research focused on myelin repair is worth paying attention to.

We also cover Sanofi’s Cenrifki, also known as tolebrutinib, being approved in Europe for adults with non-relapsing secondary progressive MS. This is one of the biggest confirmed treatment stories of the week, especially for progressive MS, but it also comes with important safety monitoring.

Other stories this week include blood-based NfL testing for MS monitoring, early high-efficacy treatment in childhood-onset MS, light therapy glasses for MS-related fatigue, menopause and cognition, balance training, cognitive coaching, ocrelizumab and rituximab infection-risk research, vision recovery research, and a human story from the National MS Society called “From Patient to Researcher: How MS Changed My Path.”

As always, this is not medical advice. Just MS News is a calm weekly recap meant to help people living with MS, caregivers, advocates, and supporters understand what is happening in MS news without the overload.

1. PTD802 oral remyelination therapy
   https://www.neurologylive.com/view/fda-clears-investigational-new-drug-application-remyelinating-agent-ptd802-multiple-sclerosis
2. Cenrifki approved in Europe for non-relapsing SPMS
   https://pmlive.com/sanofis-cenrifki-approved-in-europe-for-secondary-progressive-ms-without-relapses/
3. Blood-based NfL testing and MS monitoring
   https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/blog/how-blood-based-nfl-testing-could-transform-multiple-sclerosis-management-414010
4. Early high-efficacy treatment in children with MS
   https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/early-treatment-with-highly-effective-therapy-could-reduce-long-term-disability-in-children-with-ms/
5. Light therapy glasses for MS fatigue
   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-56950-3
6. Menopause and MS cognition
   https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/features/menopause-and-multiple-sclerosis-neurologic-manifestations/
7. Balance training for MS
   https://clinician.nejm.org/balance-training-multiple-sclerosis-nejm-jw.NA46017
8. Mindset coaching for MS cognitive symptoms
   https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/news-posts/2026/06/22/trial-target-ms-cognitive-symptoms-mindset-coaching/
9. Ocrelizumab and rituximab serious infection risk
   https://verahealth.ai/fr/news/multiple-sclerosis-ocrelizumab-and-rituximab-show-similar-serious-infection-risk
10. Vision recovery research
    https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2814516
11. From Patient to Researcher: How MS Changed My Path
    https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/momentum-magazine/from-the-community/from-patient-to-researcher-ms-changed-my-path

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

Send us Fan Mail

This week on Just MS News, we look at nine MS stories from the week of June 15–21, 2026.

Topics include hidden cognitive symptoms, brain atrophy research, cognitive testing and daily life, accessible travel, progression independent of relapse activity, PFAS exposure, vaccine safety, mobility technology, and early repair-focused stem cell research.

Just MS News is built to help the MS community cut through the noise and follow the stories that matter.

Covered this week:

1. UB research targets hidden symptoms of multiple sclerosis
   https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2026/06/benedict-hidden-symptoms-ms.html
2. Untangling Brain Atrophy in MS
   https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/momentum-magazine/research-and-science/untangling-brain-atrophy-in-ms
3. Can Cognitive Tests Predict Daily Life With MS? The Answer Is Yes, But Not Perfectly
   https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/can-cognitive-tests-predict-daily-life-with-ms-the-answer-is-yes-but-not-perfectly/
4. 10 MS Accessible Travel Planning Tips
   https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/momentum-magazine/living-well/plan-an-accessible-escape
5. Comorbidities for Predicting Progression Independent of Relapse Activity in Multiple Sclerosis Treated With B-Cell Depletion
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42226439/
6. PFAS “forever chemicals” may be linked to multiple sclerosis, especially in women
   https://usrtk.org/healthwire/pfas-forever-chemicals-linked-to-multiple-sclerosis-especially-in-women/
7. Measles, chickenpox vaccines not tied to relapse in people with multiple sclerosis
   https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/measles-chickenpox-vaccines-not-tied-relapse-people-multiple-sclerosis
8. Paralyzed Minnesota man’s invention aims to help people with mobility issues walk again
   https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/walkport-invention-mobility-issues/
9. NewcelX Stem Cell Platform Strengthened by Peer-Reviewed AstroRx Study in Multiple Sclerosis
   https://www.tipranks.com/news/company-announcements/newcelx-stem-cell-platform-strengthened-by-peer-reviewed-astrorx-study-in-multiple-sclerosis

One week of MS news. One calm place.

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Just MS Show, I share a recent visit with my physio doctor that became a meaningful milestone in my multiple sclerosis journey. After years of challenges, setbacks, and rebuilding following my back injury, hearing such a positive reaction from someone who has closely followed my condition for over a decade meant a lot to me.

I talk about the progress I’ve made, the physical goals I’m still working toward, and how staying consistent with rehab, gym routines, and mindset continues to move me forward. I also touch briefly on how coding, AI tools, and building projects have become part of my daily routine and recovery process.

Thanks for listening, and I hope this episode brings some encouragement to anyone pushing through their own challenges.

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Just MS Show, I share two moments that define the push-pull of life with MS: a recent fall (my “fish out of water” moment) and the unexpectedly positive results from my annual DXA (DEXA) bone density scan, which I do because of prior high-dose steroid treatments. I walk through the scan process, the follow-up with my doctor, and why this result felt rare—and important. I also reflect on what may be helping: consistent, nutrient-focused eating and tailored, weight-bearing work (including squat sets tied to daily transfers, gym resistance, and pool time). It’s a small win in a year when mobility has been tougher—and a prompt to double down on what’s working.

Note: Personal experience only; not medical advice.

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I catch up on the past month or two — from a tough fall that sent me to the ER (thankfully, nothing broken) to a string of lessons in accessibility and recovery. I talk about attending recent Leafs and Jays games, comparing the accessibility setups and how each outing comes with its own cost-and-recovery balance.

I also touch on an expensive physio assessment that didn’t meet expectations — and share a bit of unexpectedly good news from a recent doctor’s visit that gave me some encouragement moving forward.

It’s been a stretch of setbacks, slow steps, and small wins — but progress all the same.

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

Send us Fan Mail

A.I. Episode: Stem Cell Breakthrough Without Chemo

In this special AI-hosted edition of The Just MS Show, we dive into a groundbreaking medical breakthrough: a novel stem cell transplant method that eliminates the need for toxic chemotherapy or radiation.Learn how this antibody-based technique, trialed at Stanford University, could revolutionize treatment not only for Fanconi anaemia but also for MS and other genetic or immune conditions.👂 Listen on your favorite podcast platform▶️ Watch on YouTube#JustMS #StemCellBreakthrough
#MultipleSclerosis 

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ Workout to Wheelchair

Why Trying to Get Stronger Made Me Weaker

In this raw and personal episode of The Just MS Show, I share how pushing my body too far — even with the best intentions — led to injuries that rapidly worsened my Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

From breaking my foot and rib, to temporary blindness, to a devastating lower back injury during lockdown workouts, each moment shifted my MS progression — and my mobility — in ways I couldn’t predict.

You’ll hear the full story:

How I was diagnosed with MS in 2012 and told I’d never walk again — but proved them wrong (for a while)

The injuries that changed everything, including a freak accident doing squats with makeshift weights

The 7-month hospital stay that followed, and how I rebuilt myself through solo rehab at home

What I’m doing now to stay strong, safe, and moving forward with MS


Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with chronic illness, or navigating disability and mobility changes — this episode offers an honest look at the risks of overexertion, the importance of safety, and the power of persistence.

👉 Listen now and learn why MS isn’t just about symptoms — it’s about survival.

The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.

www.justmultiplesclerosis.com