National MS Society Commits Over $16 Million for Research to Drive Pathways to Cures
April 10, 2024
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has recently committed $16.4 million in multi-year funding to launch important new MS research projects. This is part of the Society’s ongoing effort to align the global MS research community around the most promising areas outlined in the
Pathways to Cures roadmap to stop MS, restore function and end MS.
The new projects include 9 new research grants and 31 new fellowships and early career awards to support the MS workforce. These are part of the Society’s annual investment of over $30 million for more than 200 new and ongoing MS research studies around the world. This includes support 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.
The new projects apply advanced technologies to investigate priority questions such as the role of gut bacteria in MS, the impacts of aging on the ability to recover function, and the best use of remote monitoring to track the success of rehabilitation approaches. Here are a few of the newly committed research projects:
STOPPING MS in its tracks:
• University of Michigan scientists are creating novel proteins and testing their ability to stop inflammation at sites of nervous system damage to prevent disease progression.
• A research fellow and team at Columbia University are developing immune profiles of people with MS from diverse backgrounds and ages to identify blood signatures that can guide treatment decisions.
RESTORING what’s been lost:
• Researchers at Wayne State University are looking at a novel mechanism for preventing damage and promoting repair of nerve-insulating myelin that is damaged in MS.
• A team at Emory University is testing a method for reversing dizziness and balance problems experienced by people with MS.
ENDING MS forever:
• Johns Hopkins University investigators are undertaking an extensive cutting-edge data analysis to understand factors that may help to stop the development of MS and its progression.
• Stanford University scientists are working to understand the role of Epstein-Barr virus as a potential cause of MS to suggest ways to treat and prevent it.
More…
Download a Full Summary of the Newly Funded Research Projects (.pdf)
Download a list of Society-supported research projects, sorted by location (.pdf)
Download a list of Society-supported research projects, sorted by topic (.pdf)
Explore the Pathways to Cures for MS
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.