Marisa Wexler MS,  —

Marisa holds an MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. She specializes in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Marisa began working with BioNews in 2018, and has written about science and health for SelfHacked and the Genetics Society of America. She also writes/composes musicals and coaches the University of Pittsburgh fencing club.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Bone marrow transplant may be effective for PNH after, with cancer

A bone marrow transplant may be an effective treatment for some people with bone marrow cancer who develop subsequent or co-occurring paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a study indicates. The study, “Haemolytic paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria in patients with myeloid neoplasms: A rare association with specific therapeutic implications,”…

Worse PNH found for woman with COVID-19 despite Empaveli: Report

A woman with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) that was being well-controlled with Empaveli (pegcetacoplan) saw her symptoms return after being vaccinated for COVID-19, and then again after contracting COVID-19 itself. According to researchers, the patient experienced breakthrough hemolysis, or a reoccurrence of blood cell destruction, following a COVID-19 vaccination…

Most PNH patients on Soliris still experience symptoms, study says

Most people with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) who were treated with Soliris (eculizumab) at a hospital in Germany continued to show signs of disease activity despite treatment, a recent study reports. “The findings of this long-term real-world study suggest that a considerable proportion of patients with PNH treated…

Risk of thrombosis ongoing for PNH patients, even with treatment

Thrombosis — the serious and potentially life-threatening blood clots that can block blood flow — is a common occurrence in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and can affect patients using more recent disease treatments, a study of PNH patients in Greece reported. “Ongoing treatment with complement inhibitors has considerably reduced…

Omeros launches PNH trials of experimental therapy OMS906

Omeros has launched two Phase 1b clinical trials to test its experimental therapy OMS906 in people with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The first trial, which began recruiting late last year, is testing the therapy in people who haven’t been on prior treatment. It has already begun dosing participants. The…

Empaveli most effective in newly treated PNH patients in study

People with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) newly treated with Empaveli (pegcetacoplan) are more likely to see their hemoglobin levels rise and less likely to experience breakthrough disease attacks than those started on Soliris (eculizumab) or Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz). That’s according to a new study reporting the findings from an indirect comparison…

Trial of PNH treatment ARO-C3 plans to start dosing patients this year

ARO-C3, an experimental treatment being developed for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and other disorders mediated by the complement system, appears to be working as intended in a group of healthy volunteers. That’s according to interim data from an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial testing the Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals therapy in adults…