Can a Blood Marker Reveal Hidden MS Progression? GFAP + NAC Explained | Just MS News

Can multiple sclerosis continue to progress even when relapses appear quiet? New research published in JAMA Neurology strengthens the evidence around GFAP, a blood biomarker associated with progression independent of relapse activity, or PIRA. The study analyzed more than 18,000 blood samples from over 2,300 people with MS and found that GFAP may provide different information from neurofilament light chain, or NfL. We also look at a small randomized study of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in progressive MS. Participants received 1,250 mg three times daily for four weeks, and researchers found a significant difference in GFAP levels compared with placebo. Important: this small pilot does not show that NAC slows MS progression. A larger randomized trial is underway to investigate whether these early biomarker findings translate into meaningful clinical effects. In this Just MS Top Story Breakdown, we look at what the studies found, what they do not prove, and why this research is worth following. Sources: JAMA Neurology: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.20... NAC pilot: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1... Ongoing NACPMS trial: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT0... More MS news and resources: https://www.justmultiplesclerosis.com This content is for news and educational purposes and is not medical advice. #MultipleSclerosis #MSNews #MSResearch #ProgressiveMS #GFAP #PIRA #NAC #MSProgression #JustMSNews