Episode 315: Understanding Generic and Biosimilar Drugs for MS with Dr. Jiwon Oh

Just a couple of weeks ago, the FDA approved the first biosimilar medication for treating MS. As generics and now, biosimilars, become more available, it seems like the right time for us to get clear on the similarities and differences between generics, biosimilars, and the name-brand drugs that they mimic.  Dr. Jiwon Oh joins me to explain everything you need to know to be an informed medical consumer when it comes to generic and biosimilar disease-modifying therapies. Dr. Oh is a neurologist, scientist, and the Medical Director of the Barlo Multiple Sclerosis Program at St. Michael's Hospital in Ontario. We'll also tell you about a simple blood test that can measure MS disease activity.  Izzy Abbas, the Co-Chairperson of the Paralyzed Veterans of America MS Committee will explain how the PVA supports veterans who are living with MS. We're sharing the details of a large study that determined routine vaccinations don't cause MS relapses. And if you're in New York and you're ready to laugh for a good cause, we have the details about the StandUp2MS comedy club benefit at Gotham Comedy Club. It's less than a week away! We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??! This Week: Generic and biosimilar drugs for MS   :22 A simple blood test that can assess MS disease activity 1:51 Izzy Abbas explains how the Paralyzed Veterans of America supports veterans living with MS   7:19 The StandUp2MS comedy club benefit is less than a week away!  17:28 Study results show that routine vaccinations don't cause MS relapses   18:37 Dr. Jiwon Oh explains the differences and similarities between generics, biosimilars, and the name-brand drugs that they mimic   21:19 Share this episode  37:40 Have you downloaded the free RealTalk MS app?  38:00 SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/315 ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts! Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283 And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group! LINKS If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com STUDY: Clinical Validation of a Multi-Protein, Serum-Based Assay for Disease Activity Assessments in Multiple Sclerosis https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521661623004515 Paralyzed Veterans of America https://pva.org Standup2MS Comedy Club Benefit https://standup2ms.org/comedy-club-benefit STUDY: Vaccines and the Risk of Hospitalization for Multiple Sclerosis Flare-Ups https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2809144 National MS Society: Detailed information on vaccinations for people living with MS https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Diet-Exercise-Healthy-Behaviors/Vaccinations#section-1 Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200 Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com. RealTalk MS Episode 315 Guest: Izzy Abbas, Dr. Jiwon Oh Privacy Policy