NYU Langone Neurologists Present Groundbreaking Research at AAN 2026 Annual Meeting

Neurologists from NYU Langone Health’s Department of Neurology are showcasing their latest clinical findings and research breakthroughs at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2026 Annual Meeting in Chicago this week. The prestigious gathering, running from April 18 to 22, features over 80 presentations from NYU Langone faculty covering topics ranging from combating medical misinformation to innovative epilepsy treatments.

“The depth of our faculty’s teaching and research acumen is on full display at this year’s AAN meeting,” said Steven L. Galetta, MD, the Philip K. Moskowitz, MD, Professor and Chair of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “Our patients and our field benefit from the incredible work our scientific community does every day, and this year is another example of what we achieve when we endeavor to discover.”

NYU Langone’s neurology department, ranked No. 1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, comprises 18 specialized divisions and centers, reflecting the institution’s comprehensive approach to neurological care and research.

Among the most anticipated presentations is a platform talk by Jonathan E. Howard, MD, professor in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, who will address the growing challenge of medical misinformation. As director of the neurology service at Bellevue Hospital and a member of NYU Langone’s Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, Dr. Howard brings years of experience combating health myths.

“Care and patient outcomes are affected by medical myths and misinformation,” Dr. Howard explained. “Fortunately, there are practical strategies to counter those negative effects, and I hope the session will amplify these conversations and keep them top of mind for practitioners.” His talk will outline the origins of medical misinformation and provide healthcare professionals with actionable strategies to ensure patients receive accurate information.

In another significant presentation, Jacqueline A. French, MD, professor in the Department of Neurology and epileptologist at NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, will reveal promising results from the phase 3 X-TOLE2 clinical trial testing azetukalner for focal onset seizures. The trial demonstrated remarkable efficacy, with patients receiving the 25-milligram dose experiencing a 53.2 percent median reduction in seizures, compared to only 10.4 percent in the placebo group. The 15-microgram dose yielded a 34.5 percent reduction.

“In addition to promising efficacy data, azetukalner does not require titration, is a once-daily dose, and has not demonstrated meaningful negative interactions with other drugs,” noted Dr. French, who co-directs epilepsy clinical trials at the center. “It’s incredible to see another new therapy potentially become available soon to patients thanks to the rigorous testing of our clinical trial teams.”

The drug manufacturer, Xenon, plans to submit a new drug application to the FDA in the third quarter of 2026, potentially adding another important treatment option to the epilepsy medication landscape.

Healthcare accessibility will also take center stage with Mihir Kakara, MD, MSHP, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology, presenting a qualitative study on how patients with disabilities navigate outpatient healthcare environments. Using an innovative “go-along” research method, Dr. Kakara’s team observed and interviewed 21 patients who use mobility assistive equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers.

The research identified significant barriers at every stage of a medical visit, from parking to examination rooms, which often lead patients to cancel appointments or delay seeking medical care.

“We’re hopeful the findings of this study can not only lead to improvements in the design of healthcare settings but inform policy and operations decisions that may positively impact the clinical experience for all patients, specifically older patients and those with disabilities,” said Dr. Kakara.

This study comes at a critical time when healthcare systems nationwide are facing increased scrutiny regarding accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for patients with physical limitations.

NYU Langone Health’s strong presence at this year’s AAN meeting reflects the institution’s commitment to advancing neurological care through innovative research. As one of the nation’s top healthcare systems, NYU Langone consistently achieves outstanding patient outcomes and has been ranked No. 1 out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers by Vizient Inc. for four consecutive years.