- In May 2024, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine announced the initiation of a Phase II clinical trial evaluating golimumab, a TNF-α inhibitor, in patients with steroid-refractory neurosarcoidosis. This marks a significant step toward expanding the therapeutic options for complex neuroinflammatory conditions. The study aims to assess efficacy, tolerability, and neuroprotective outcomes, reinforcing the company’s commitment to addressing rare neurological disorders with high unmet clinical needs
- In April 2024, Mayo Clinic unveiled a collaborative project with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to develop a precision medicine framework for neurosarcoidosis, incorporating biomarker-driven diagnostics and individualized therapy regimens. This initiative reflects a broader trend in neurology toward tailoring treatments to specific patient profiles, with the goal of improving long-term disease outcomes and reducing treatment-related side effects
- In March 2024, Pfizer Inc. expanded its immunology research pipeline by announcing plans to investigate tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor antagonist, for potential off-label use in neurosarcoidosis treatment. The company is responding to growing clinical interest in biologics beyond TNF inhibitors, particularly for patients who fail standard immunosuppressive regimens. This initiative illustrates Pfizer’s strategic push into rare neuroimmune diseases
- In February 2024, the Sarcoidosis Clinical Trials Consortium (SCTC) published interim results from its global observational study of neurosarcoidosis patients across 12 countries. The study highlights key data on treatment patterns, diagnostic variability, and disease progression, providing a comprehensive foundation for future international treatment guidelines. This global effort underscores the need for harmonized care protocols and greater research collaboration in rare neurological conditions
- In January 2024, Novartis AG announced the launch of a global awareness campaign in partnership with rare disease advocacy organizations to promote early recognition and referral for suspected neurosarcoidosis cases. The campaign includes physician training modules, digital outreach tools, and multilingual educational resources. This effort demonstrates Novartis’ proactive stance in bridging diagnosis gaps and supporting earlier intervention to improve patient outcomes globally
