Research on multiple sclerosis was almost nonexistent in 1945, the year a small classified ad appeared in The New York Times: “Multiple Sclerosis. Will anyone recovered from it please communicate with patient.” The ad was placed by Sylvia Lawry, whose brother Bernard had been diagnosed with MS, and whose family was frustrated by the lack of treatment options. No one came forth with a treatment, but many came forth with the need and desire to do something about this urgent problem.
In 1946 the National Multiple Sclerosis Society was born, and in 1947 the Society sponsored its first three research projects. Today, the Society is a driving force of MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and a cure. Our $760 million investment into research has fueled many advances, and the hope for new, more effective treatments and a cure for MS has never been greater. We are part of a global movement of millions of people working toward a world free of MS.
We’re Making Progress
- There are more potential therapies in the pipeline for MS (.pdf) than at any other time in history.
- The National MS Society funded basic and clinical research that helped lead to the development of many of the approved disease-modifying drugs for MS.
- We funded a major collaborative initiative that led to breakthroughs in identifying gene variations that contribute to MS susceptibility.
- We have trained or funded many of the leading MS researchers making breakthroughs today.
- Right now, our researchers are developing and testing novel experimental treatments and tissue repair strategies that may soon be in use for MS.
Read about the latest progress and how far we’ve come:
Landmark Progress by National MS Society Researchers
National MS Society funding over the years has provided the springboard for breakthroughs in understanding MS and developing new treatments and measures to improve quality of life.
Annual Summary of Research Progress
Read about exciting advances being made by investigators around the world.
Progress by John Dystel Prize Winners
Some of the many investigators who have made discoveries that are propelling the field forward have been recognized by being awarded the John Dystel Prize for MS Research.
MS Research Progress Happening Right Now
Research News
The latest progress being reported in published papers and in the news.
Intriguing Leads on the Horizon
Exciting leads and clinical trials researchers are pursuing.