National MS Society Commits Nearly $8 Million for Targeted Research to Drive Pathways to Cures
January 11, 2023
The National MS Society has committed $7.8 million to launch important new MS research projects as part of our ongoing effort to align the global MS research community around the most promising areas outlined in the
Pathways to Cures roadmap.
These latest financial commitments are part of an annual investment of some $30 million to support 220 new and ongoing MS research studies around the world, including support of the research workforce and leadership for the
International Progressive MS Alliance – a global effort to accelerate the development of effective treatments for people with progressive MS to improve quality of life worldwide.
Fourteen of the new awards stemmed from a targeted request for applications focusing on understanding how pockets of inflammation in the brain drive MS progression. This topic targets a critical gap in the Pathways to Cures priorities of stopping MS, restoring lost function, and ending the disease by preventing more cases. This targeted research initiative on progression-related inflammation is key to being able to stop the disease.
In addition, the Society committed funds to study “long COVID” and other infections in people with MS.
Here are a few examples of the newly committed research projects:
STOPPING MS:
• A team at the Cleveland Clinic is investigating whether activating an immune mechanism will turn off chronic inflammation linked to MS progression.
RESTORING what’s been lost:
• A team at the University of Pennsylvania is investigating features of brain cells called “astrocytes” that could be manipulated to enhance myelin repair.
ENDING MS:
• University of Western Australia researchers are determining if components of the brain that are targeted by the immune system in MS are mistaken as components of the Epstein-Barr virus.
More…
Download a Summary of the Newly Funded Research Projects (.pdf)
Learn more about
Pathways to Cures for MS
Download a list of Society-supported research projects, sorted by location (.pdf)
Download a list of Society-supported research projects, sorted by topic (.pdf)
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.