Research in MS is progressing at a remarkable rate, with more potential therapies in the pipeline than at any other time in history. The National MS Society is a driving force of MS research, supporting and stimulating world-class research into ways to prevent, better treat and cure this unpredictable disease of the brain and spinal cord. Learn how far we’ve come, where we’re going and what the Society and others are doing to move toward a world free of MS.
Research News
Bulletins about research progress from around the world
New Funding Opportunity
The Society announces new funding opportunities in Health Care Delivery and Policy Research
Research We Fund
The who, what, where, why and how of the Society’s cutting-edge MS research
Intriguing Leads on the Horizon
Exciting leads and clinical trials researchers are pursuing
Clinical Trials
These treatment trials urgently need patients willing to participate
Researchers Need You
How you can help move research forward by getting involved
How Far We’ve Come
History and timeline of progress, and how the Society has helped propel these advances
Recent Research News
Update on Tysabri and PML
Jun 30, 2009
According to Biogen Idec, a tenth confirmed case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, a viral infection of the brain that usually leads to death or severe disability) has occurred among people who have used Tysabri® (natalizumab, Biogen Idec and Elan Pharmaceuticals) after it became available for prescription in July 2006. The case, reported by the company on June 26, 2009, occurred in a person in Europe who had been taking Tysabri for 30 months. The reported duration of use among these ten people has ranged from about 12 to 35 months.
MS Trial Alert: Recruiting Patients for Study on How Adhering to Therapy Impacts MS
Jun 25, 2009
Summary: A new study is seeking to determine to what extent individuals’ sticking to their prescribed treatment regimen (called “compliance”) affects outcomes in relapsing-remitting MS, and whether special programs can enhance their adherence to therapy. The study focuses on compliance related to several disease-modifying therapies -- Avonex® (interferon beta-1a, Biogen Idec), Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals), Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries), and Rebif® (interferon beta-1a, EMD Serono and Pfizer). Three thousand people are being recruited for this study by three specialty pharmacies that provide service nationwide. Teva Neuroscience is funding this study.
Two Studies Report Finding New Genes and Gene Regions that Make People Susceptible to MS
Jun 22, 2009
Two studies recently published in the journal Nature Genetics report identifying new genes and gene regions that contribute to making people susceptible to developing MS. The findings, by the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium and the Australia/New Zealand MS Genetics Consortium, add to a growing list of gene variations linked to MS susceptibility. Identifying all MS genes will likely lead to the development of more effective ways to treat the disease, and open the door to uncovering the cause of MS, which may lead to its prevention.
MS Trial Alert: Study of Oral Teriflunomide (HMR1726) Recruiting People at High Risk for MS Worldwide
Jun 11, 2009
Investigators worldwide are recruiting people at high risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) for a study comparing two doses of oral HMR1726 (teriflunomide), an immune system-modulating agent, and inactive placebo. People at high risk for MS are those who experience a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, a single neurological event suggestive of demyelination, such as focal weakness, numbness, coordination problems, or decrease in vision in one eye) and brain magnetic resonance imaging findings suggestive of MS. The study is sponsored by Sanofi-Aventis.
Two Medical Meetings (ACTRIMS and CMSC) Focus on MS Risk Factors and Quality of Life Issues
Jun 10, 2009
“Environmental Risk Factors in MS” was the topic of the 14th annual meeting of ACTRIMS (Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in MS) on May 30 in Atlanta. For the second time, ACTRIMS was held in conjunction with the Consortium of MS Centers annual meeting. Chaired by Jerry S. Wolinsky, MD (The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston), the ACTRIMS meeting was jointly sponsored by the National MS Society and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, in collaboration with the MS Society of Canada.