Jagannadha Avasarala

Jagannadha Avasarala, MD, PhD, is a Professor and Director of the UK Comprehensive Care Center for MS and Neuroimmunology at the University of Kentucky's Department of Neurology. He joined the faculty in 2018, returning after completing training at institutions including New York Medical College, Washington University in St. Louis, and Wake Forest School of Medicine. His expertise spans neuroimmunology, multiple sclerosis (MS), and translational research. Dr. Avasarala's work emphasizes leveraging retinal imaging (e.g., optical coherence tomography) and vitamin D studies to advance MS diagnosis and treatment. He leads clinical trials focused on MS, including studies in African American populations and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Education: He earned his medical degree from Osmania Medical College and Kakatiya Medical College in India, followed by a PhD in neuroenzymology from Nagoya University (Japan) and postdoctoral training in molecular cytogenetics at Wayne State University. His career includes a medical internship at the University of Kentucky and neurology residency at New York Medical College.

Research Interests: Dr. Avasarala’s research focuses on MS pathogenesis, CD20 cell populations in Ocrevus-treated patients, and innovative diagnostic tools like smartphone apps for optic nerve disease. His team uses big data analytics to track MS disease patterns and improve retinal imaging as a diagnostic standard. He critiques clinical trial designs for racial/ethnic bias and advocates for rigorous JCV antibody testing in natalizumab therapy to mitigate progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) risks.

Clinical Trials & Grants: Active projects include the CLICK-MS study, Redcap data collection for African American MS/NMOSD patients, and collaborations with Syneos Health to establish phase 3 clinical trial centers for NMOSD. His work addresses gaps in MS treatment equity and precision medicine.

Awards: He received the National MS Fellowship Award during his fellowship, underscoring his early contributions to MS research. His leadership in neuroimmunology has positioned him as a key figure in advancing MS care through interdisciplinary approaches.