To achieve the vision of a world free of MS, the National MS Society is a driving force of MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and cure. We devote nearly $50 million each year to a spectrum of key initiatives and other projects based on the guiding principles of Speed, Collaboration and Possibilities:
- Speed
Finding expeditious ways to conduct research, forge relationships, bridge barriers and garner resources to propel research forward - Collaboration
Fostering coalitions worldwide with experts in other fields and diseases to make rapid and meaningful progress - Possibilities
Fueling novel ideas, potential therapies, projects and technologies to discover and pursue every avenue that holds promise
Right now, our researchers are developing and testing novel experimental treatments and tissue repair strategies that may soon be in use for MS. Read more about the progress we’ve made and intriguing leads being pursued by MS investigators.
Research Scope and Philosophy
We strive to fund the best, most relevant research in the U.S. and abroad aimed at moving us closer to a world free of MS
Areas of Research Focus
We support more than 440 research grants and training fellowships on a broad range of topics relevant to MS, including immune aspects, nerve tissue repair and myelin biology, clinical trials, rehabilitation, psychosocial issues and health care delivery. We are also pursuing some key areas of emerging opportunity and need, including:
- Targeted Initiatives —Funding vital MS research and care through the Promise: 2010 Initiative and speeding treatments to people with MS through the Fast Forward™ initiative.
- Collaborative MS Research Centers —These special centers combine the expertise of top MS researchers with scientists outside the field of MS who are using cutting-edge technologies to engage in large-scale explorations, gaining from each other’s experience.
- High-Risk Pilot Research —These unique grants fund short-term investigations on new, untested ideas, allowing researchers to quickly determine if their novel ideas are worth pursuing.
- Research on Progressive MS — Although many of the Society’s research studies explore virtually every aspect of MS and more basic aspects of how the nervous system and immune system works, some studies focus specifically on progressive forms of MS.
Recent Research News
FDA Approves Botox® for Treating Spasticity, or Tightness, in Upper Limbs
Mar 12, 2010
A new use for Botox® (onabotulinumtoxin A, Allergan, Inc.) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, providing an additional treatment option for people with MS or other disorders who may experience spasticity in muscles of the elbow, wrist and fingers. Spasticity is an often painful muscle tightness that can make movements difficult. In clinical trials largely involving people with spasticity after stroke, targeted injections of Botox into muscles were found to be beneficial and safe.
UPDATE: CCSVI - International Scientific Panel Formed to Expedite Review of Submitted CCSVI Research Proposals
Mar 11, 2010
This International panel of experts is conducting an expedited review of all CCSVI applications received through a special request for applications. Read more about CCSVI.
UPDATE: Ampyra™, Symptomatic Medicine Approved by FDA to Improve Walking for People with All Types of MS, Now Available by Prescription
Mar 01, 2010
Ampyra™ (dalfampridine, formerly known as fampridine SR, from Acorda Therapeutics), recently approved by FDA for its ability to improve walking in people with any type of MS, is now available by prescription.
MS Trial Alert: Study of Oral Teriflunomide (HMR1726) Recruiting People at High Risk for MS Worldwide
Mar 01, 2010
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.
Gilenia – the Oral Drug for Relapsing MS Formerly Known as FTY720 – Receives Priority Review from FDA – Could take as little as six months for an approval decision
Feb 22, 2010
Novartis International AG has been granted a priority review for its oral therapy formerly known as FTY720 or fingolimod, now called Gilenia, by the FDA, according to a press release from the sponsor. Novartis applied for marketing approval of this compound for the treatment of relapsing MS in December 2009.