New therapeutic approaches and bioethical reflections on Multiple Sclerosis in Food for the Brain

Multiple Sclerosis specialist Dr. Rodrigo Martínez offered an academic session that addressed the impact of the disease, advances in immunological therapies, and the ethical challenges in its treatment.

On August 27th, a new edition of Food for the Brain: New Immunomodulatory Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis was held, featuring Dr. Rodrigo Martínez Espinosa, a member of the BINCA team in the ConCiencia research line and a passionate expert in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The session began with a general overview of Multiple Sclerosis and the profound impact this disease has on the health and quality of life of those affected. It was emphasized that there is still no curative therapy, which reinforces the great expectations placed on the new immunological therapies currently under development.

Among the key points discussed was the importance of vitamin D, as its deficiency in countries with low sun exposure has been associated with higher prevalence of the disease. The session also reviewed the different clinical presentations of MS and the relevance of detecting inflammation even before the appearance of symptoms, distinguishing it from neurodegeneration. The discussion further explored the disease in children and pregnant women, highlighting the particular challenges in these groups.

From a therapeutic standpoint, it was noted that even in the absence of relapses, neurological damage continues to accumulate, which demands timely and adequate treatment. Emerging therapies such as Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-CD40L monoclonal antibodies, and CAR-T cell therapy were explored, offering promising perspectives while also raising challenges in terms of safety and efficacy.

The session concluded with a deep reflection on the bioethical principles involved in the care of MS patients. Issues such as the use of new drugs in pregnant women, and the principles of justice and subsidiarity in light of the limited access to healthcare in Mexico, were discussed. The importance of continuous bioethical guidance in managing this condition was strongly emphasized.

The Bioethics and Neuroethics Research Group (BINCA) is a priority project of CADEBI that, since October 2014, has promoted critical reflection and interdisciplinary research. Formed by students, academics, and researchers in the field of health sciences, BINCA is dedicated to the bioethical study of diverse disciplines, approaching them from a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective.

More information: https://www.anahuac.mx/mexico/CADEBI/en/clinical-bioethics-and-neuroethics-anahuac