New therapy for multiple sclerosis patients at Nebraska Medicine

OMAHA, Neb.--A clinical trial is underway pertaining to multiple sclerosis that could be changing the lives of those who receive the diagnosis. 

49-year-old Jan Janisch-Hanzlik was recently diagnosed with MS that spread rapidly throughout her body.

Janisch-Hanzlik was referred to a neurologist and MS specialist at Nebraska Medicine who presented her with a new option for treatment: enrollment in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial using allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy.

This therapy uses T-cells from healthy donors that are genetically modified to destroy the cells that contribute to MS.

Janisch-Hanzlik understands the toll an autoimmune disease like this can take on someone, as she's experienced it first hand.

"It wasn't till about three months after my diagnosis that I had my first breakdown cry," said Janisch-Hanzlik. "It was that cry that was accepting I have MS and this is not going to get any better."

Janisch-Hanzlik received therapy on June 9 and was released just a week later.

Not only is she excited to see the changes, but also filled with gratitude to be picked for this trial to help others down the road.

Her doctors spoke in a press conference of the accessibility of the CAR T-cell therapy as it is a readily available, "off-the-shelf" product and the strides it will make for the thousands of others living with MS.