Dimethyl Fumarate, But Not Rituximab, Reduces Serum GFAP Levels and PIRMA in Relapsing–Remitting MS

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

In relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, dimethyl fumarate, but not rituximab, reduces serum GFAP levels and the risk of non-inflammatory disability progression, suggesting it has additional effects on astrocyte-related CNS pathology beyond peripheral immune modulation. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

Fadi Shawket; J. Lycke; Jonatan Salzer; F. Piehl; K. Fink; Niclas Lange; Johan Mellergård; Clas Malmeström; Peter Sundström; Ida Erngren; Asma Al-Grety; Eva Freyhult; Kim Kultima; Joachim Burman; A. Svenningsson

doi:10.1002/acn3.70395

April 12, 2026Annals of Clinical and Translational NeurologyOpen Access

Dimethyl Fumarate, But Not Rituximab, Reduces Serum GFAP Levels and PIRMA in Relapsing–Remitting MS

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Key Points

To compare the effects of dimethyl fumarate and rituximab on serum biomarkers in relapsing-remitting MS.
Measuring serum levels of sNfL, GFAP, and PIRMA in subjects taking DMF and RTX.
Comparative analysis of biomarker levels before and after treatment.
Assessing disability progression rates in relation to biomarker changes.
Both DMF and RTX reduced sNfL levels, indicating reduced disease activity.
Only DMF led to a sustained decrease in GFAP levels and a lower risk of disability progression.
DMF may influence astrocyte pathology in addition to peripheral immune effects.

Implication

Observational study reveals DMF reduces biomarkers in relapsing-remitting MS, indicating unique benefits beyond immune modulation.

Discussion

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Cite This Study

Shawket et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69df2b49e4eeef8a2a6b02e0 https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.70395

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Dimethyl Fumarate, But Not Rituximab, Reduces Serum GFAP Levels and PIRMA in Relapsing–Remitting MS

Key Points

Implication

Discussion

Cite This Study

Dimethyl Fumarate, But Not Rituximab, Reduces Serum GFAP Levels and PIRMA in Relapsing–Remitting MS

Key Points

Implication

Discussion

Cite This Study

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