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
MS Trial Alert: Recruiting Nationwide for Study of Copaxone in Patients with First Episode of Acute Optic Neuritis
Nov 05, 2009
Summary: Investigators at sites throughout the United States are recruiting 200 people who have experienced one episode of acute optic neuritis, to determine whether nerve fiber loss can be minimized with administration of glatirmamer acetate (Teva Pharmaceutical Industries) treatment. Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, and often is the first symptom of multiple sclerosis. The study is funded by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
Society-Funded Researchers Show that Early Relapses Link to MS Progression
Nov 05, 2009
A group funded by the National MS Society reports that more relapses early in the course of MS were associated with increased disease progression in a study of 2,477 people with MS, but that this effect diminishes over time. Helen Tremlett, PhD, and colleagues (University of British Columbia, Vancouver) report these results in Neurology (2009;73:1616-23).
Flu Vaccines—2009-2010
Nov 03, 2009
Update on flu vaccines, including H1N1 vaccine.
Update on Tysabri and PML: Company Releases Details of Cases and Risks
Oct 29, 2009
According to information released yesterday by Biogen Idec, there have been 24 confirmed cases of PML among people who have used Tysabri after it became available for prescription in July 2006. Some details about the 24 cases are provided.
Results Published from Rituximab Study in Primary-Progressive MS
Oct 29, 2009
A study of intravenous rituximab (Rituxan®, Genentech and Biogen Idec) in 439 people with primary-progressive MS* has shown that the drug did not slow disease progression when compared with inactive placebo, the primary endpoint of the study. However, MRI scans suggested some benefit, and an analysis of subgroups within the study showed significant delays in patients younger than age 51 and with active disease observed on MRI scans. Early results from this OLYMPUS study were originally reported in a press release in 2008, and at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in 2009, and now Kathleen Hawker, MD (The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus) and colleagues have published their complete findings in Annals of Neurology (2009;66[4]:460-471)