Following a Moving Target: Current and Emerging Strategies for the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Program Description

As our understanding of COVID-19 advances, so does our understanding of its impact on the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this activity, originally delivered as a live webcast, Drs. Scott Newsome, Avindra Nath, and Gavin Giovannoni help learners navigate the complexities of patient-specific factors (e.g., disability status, MS subtypes) and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to help improve both MS and COVID-19–related outcomes. Through in-depth discussions, the faculty provide guidance on the optimal timing of DMTs relative to vaccination, while equipping participants with practical strategies for prophylactic and outpatient COVID-19 management in patients with MS. This program also explores real-world outcomes and emerging clinical trial data, enabling participants to assess the evolving landscape of COVID-19 care in the context of MS management.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for general neurologists, neurodegenerative disease specialists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and long-term management of patients with MS.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:

  • Identify clinical factors (e.g., disability status, MS subtypes) and DMTs (e.g., anti-CD20 therapy) that may influence risk for more severe or enduring symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with MS 
  • Appraise clinical experience with and modern applicability of previous COVID-19 guidelines in with MS patients (e.g., vaccination requirements) and update care strategies in line with the current landscape 
  • Evaluate real-world outcomes and emerging clinical trial data with pre- and post-exposure prophylactic treatments to prepare for their potential reprised role in minimizing COVID-19 risk in immunocompromised patients 
  • Analyze the current evidence base regarding post-infection management of COVID-19 to maximize patient recovery 
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
05/31/2024
Course expires: 
05/31/2025
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0
   Scott Newsome, DO, MSCS, FAAN, FANA (Moderator)
   Director, Neurosciences Consultation and Infusion Center Stiff Person Syndrome Center
   Johns Hopkins Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infectious Disease Fellowship
   Co-Director, Multiple Sclerosis Experimental Therapeutics Program
   Baltimore, MD
 
 
 
 
   Gavin Giovannoni, MBBCh, PhD, FCP, FRCP, FRCPath
   Queen Mary University of London
   Chair of Neurology, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science
   Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
   Professor of Neurology
   London, UK
 
 
   Avindra Nath, MD
   Clinical Director & Senior Investigator
   Section of Infections of the Nervous System
   National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
   Bethesda, MD

This activity is jointly provided by Purdue University College of Pharmacy Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (Purdue) and Efficient LLC and was developed in partnership with Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS).

    

Accreditation Statement

This enduring activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Purdue University College of Pharmacy Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development and Efficient LLC. Purdue University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

 

Designation Statement

PHYSICIAN CREDIT
Purdue designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 
CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION FOR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
A Certificate of Participation will be given upon completion of the live activity enabling participants to register their credit with the appropriate licensing boards or associations.

Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Policy

To ensure compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Purdue University requires that all individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflicts of interest identified are thoroughly assessed by Purdue University to ensure fair balance, scientific rigor, and accepted patient care recommendations of the educational activity. 

All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the start of the activity.

None of the planners, reviewers, Efficient LLC staff, and Purdue University College of Pharmacy staff have relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose unless listed below.

Faculty Disclosures

Dr. Newsome reported the following financial relationships:

  • Grants / Research Support: Biogen, Department of Defense, Genentech, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Roche, Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, The Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation
  • Consulting Fees: Advisor for Autobahn, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, EMD Serono, Genentech, Greenwich Biosciences, Horizon Therapeutics, Novartis, Study lead PI for a Roche clinical trial, TG Therapeutics

Dr. Giovannoni reported the following financial relationships:

  • Consulting Fees: Biogen, BMS-Celgene, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssens/J&J, Japanese Tobacco, Merck KGaA/EMD Serono, Moderna, Novartis, Sandoz, Sanofi, Roche/Genentech
  • Speakers Bureau: BMS-Celgene, Janssens/J&J, Merck KGaA/EMD Serono, Novartis, Sanofi, Roche/Genentech

Dr. Nath has no financial relationships to report.

Disclosure of Unlabeled Use

This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. The planners of this activity do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications. The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of the planners. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

Disclaimer

Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient's conditions and possible contraindications and/or dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer's product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.

Commercial Support

This activity is supported by an educational grant from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Attendance

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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