Tag: research
2024 McDonald Fellowship Recipients Announced
Researchers from Malawi and Argentina awarded the 2024 McDonald Fellowships
Join the PROMS annual meeting
Sign up now to join the session: ‘Digital science of people with MS input in the era of personalised medicine’.
MSIF member organisations work together to accelerate progress towards cures for MS
Two new publications emphasise global research collaboration across the MSIF movement.
Cykelnerven 2019
Each year, seasoned riders from around the world take on over 400km of the toughest climbs from the Tour De France just weeks before the official race. It's the ride that every cyclist dreams of, but only the toughest can complete.
McDonald Fellowships
MSIF's McDonald Fellowships fund 2-year research placements for early career researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
Global MS research fellowships
A selection of fellowships and grants open to MS researchers around the world
Du Pré Grants
MSIF Du Pré Grants enable multiple sclerosis researchers and clinicians to undertake short placements in established MS research centres and clinics
Smoking and MS
Smoking increases your risk of developing MS – both as a smoker and through passive smoking. Learn more about the impact of smoking on MS.
In the lab with Dr. Kshiteeja Jain
In conversation with a female MS researcher for International Women’s Day
MS organisations commit to a shared global research strategy to accelerate cures for MS
Agreement seeks to coordinate resources on the highest potential research
Why is it important for people affected by MS to be actively involved in research?
New survey launched by the International Progressive MS Alliance
Applications for 2023 MSIF Fellowships and Grants now open
Deadline for MSIF's Grants and Fellowhips is 30 June 2023
2022 McDonald Fellowships and Du Pré Grant recipients announced
MSIF is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 McDonald Fellowships and Du Pré Grants, from Mongolia, Brazil, Argentina and India.
Innovative stem cell therapy for progressive forms of MS
Results from the first clinical trial using neural stem cells to treat people with MS
Enhancing global collaboration for earlier detection and prevention of MS
Research priorities identified to help better understand the MS prodrome
What is a biomarker?
Biomarkers is a term that often comes up when we talk about MS treatment and clinical trials - but what are they and why are they important?
Let’s talk about myelin
To stop MS, we need treatments that repair damage to the protective myelin coating around nerves.
In the lab with Dr María José Ulloa Navas
Step into the lab and meet Dr María José Ulloa Navas, a talented MS researcher from Ecuador. María José spoke with MSIF about her career so far, what drives her, and how she helps people affected by MS in her home country of Ecuador.
Prevalence and severity of MS across the world – can new research explain the patterns?
Studies provide insight into the links between MS prevalence, severity, latitude and healthcare spending
Solving the mystery of progression: the key to new treatments for progressive MS
Catch up with the latest webcast on unraveling the mystery of progression and identifying new targets for treatments
Fixing an imperfect system through the voices of those with lived experience
Find out more about the Global PROMS Initiative - Patient Reported Outcomes for MS
Key topics in MS research
Thousands of scientists are undertaking research into all aspects of MS, furthering our understanding of the disease and how to prevent, treat and manage it.
An update from the MS Global Data Sharing Initiative – Thank You!
When we come together, we can find answers, quickly, to global MS challenges.
Researchers strengthen the link between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and the risk of developing MS
Does EBV cause MS?
Results of the MS research priority survey for Cochrane systematic reviews
The research questions identified as priority topics by over 1000 people affected by MS and healthcare professionals
2021 McDonald Fellowships and Du Pré Grant recipients announced
MSIF is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 McDonald Fellowships and Du Pré Grants, from Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, and Tunisia
Winner of the 2021 Young Investigator Award
Dr Giacomo Boffa receives the 2021 Young Investigator Award on his project on using aHSCT in individuals with secondary progressive MS
How do people with MS respond to COVID-19 vaccines?
What does research tell us about how DMTs affect the body’s immune response to COVID-19 vaccines?
Can exercise reduce disease progression in MS?
Resistance exercise increases the thickness of the brain cortex in some people with MS
Diagnosis: making it early and getting it right
Diagnosis of MS is getting faster and more efficient but new research suggests there are still ways to improve diagnosis
Professor Alan Thompson wins the prestigious MS Charcot Award
Professor Thompson wins the 2021 lifetime achievement award for outstanding research into the understanding and treatment of MS
Answering questions on progressive MS treatment and research
Watch the International Progressive MS Alliance webcast
MS and depression – testing the relationship
This article delves into the land of genetics, explaining the method called ‘Mendelian randomisation’, which scientists use to learn about links between genes and disease.
Clinical research and trials
Research and clinical trials are taking place around the world, trying to find and improve treatments for MS
2020 McDonald Fellowships and Du Pré Grant recipients announced
MSIF is proud to announce the recipients of the 2020 McDonald Fellowships and Du Pré Grants, from Iran, Zambia, Brazil, Turkey, and Argentina
Winner of the 2020 Young Investigator Award
Helen Onuorah receives the 2020 Young Investigator Award on her project "Racial inequalities in MS research participation"
Super-charging mitochondria – a potential pathway to treat progressive MS
New research funded by the International Progressive MS Alliance looks at ways that nerve fibres protect themselves from damage.
Stichting MS Research celebrates its 40th anniversary
Stichting MS celebrates 40 years of MS research with a campaign on resilience. The Dutch MS organisation has partnered with local researchers and the UK MS Society to put their work in the spotlight.
We’re hiring! PROMS Initiative Program Manager
The Global Patient Reported Outcomes for MS Initiative is looking for an International Program Manager with great organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
MS research awards: deadline extended to 31 August
New map changes understanding of immune cells in the brain
A new international study has mapped a type of immune cell, the microglia, in the human and mouse brain for the first time. Microglia are thought to play a role in the progression of MS. This research has changed the understanding of how these cells function, and has important implications for MS.
Early intensive treatment gives better outcomes
New study shows that early use of high efficacy treatment for MS improves long term disability outcomes, rather than starting on a moderately effective therapy and escalating to a stronger medication.
Food allergies may be linked to more MS relapses
In a recent study, scientists have shown that people with MS who have food allergies are more likely to experience clinical attacks and lesions in the brain than those without allergies or with other allergies that are unrelated to food.
The next Atlas of MS is underway
MSIF’s Atlas of MS with new data on the number of people living with MS across the world, and the challenges they face.
Stem cell trial results published
A trial has compared a cancer chemotherapy to MS treatments, but further research is needed to understand how effective the treatment is in comparison to other MS treatments.
Screening environmental chemicals that may influence MS
976 chemicals were screened to assess their impact on MS.
Advances in research increase rate of MS treatment changes
Studies show that improved MS medications and advances in MRI technology have led to an increased rate of doctors changing courses of MS treatment and a reduced tolerance of any sign of disease activity, with doctors more readily switching treatments in cases of low disease activity.
Winner of 2018 Young Investigators Award announced
MSIF is pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Young Investigators Award: Dr Silke Häusser-Kinzel.
2018 McDonald Fellowship and Du Pré grant recipients announced
MSIF is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 McDonald fellowships and Du Pre grants
Dutch MS Research Foundation part of EUR 15 million research project
The ‘Immune balance’ partnership unites health charities, the government, scientists and corporate bodies in a joint effort to improve understanding of the immune system in chronic immune diseases like MS.
ARSEP awards 1.6m EUR to MS research proposals
The Scientific Committee of the French MS Research Support Foundation (ARSEP) has selected recipients for its annual research grants and fellowships.
MS Ireland launches exciting new research report
MS Ireland took World MS Day as an opportunity to launch a pioneering research report, designed to help Ireland become a world leader in MS research.
Bringing Us Closer: World MS Day 2018
World MS Day will take place on 30 May. The 2018 campaign is called Bringing Us Closer and the theme is Research.
Sun exposure can alter risk and disease course in early MS
New research shows that sun exposure over a lifetime can change the course of MS.
Applications for MSIF Fellowships and Grants now open
The deadline for applications for McDonald fellowships and Du Pré Grants is 30 June 2018
World MS Day 2018 toolkit and events map launched
Tools for the #bringinguscloser campaign for World MS Day 2018 are now available to download.
Argentina presents awards to MS researchers
The Association for the Fight Against MS (ALCEM) presents the Miguel Pablo Gallardo award and the Proyecto Investigación (Research Project) award.
First treatment for early primary progressive MS approved in Europe
The European Commission has approved the first disease-modifying therapy, ocrelizumab, for early primary progressive MS (PPMS).
2017 McDonald Fellowship and Du Pré grant recipients announced
MSIF is proud to announce the recipients of the 2017 McDonald fellowships and Du Pre grants
Inflammation and anxiety: how are they linked?
Chemistry of brain inflammation linked to mood changes in MS
Professor Per Soelberg Sørensen wins prestigious Charcot award for research in multiple sclerosis
Prof. Sørensen, one of the world’s prominent clinical neurologists in multiple sclerosis, recognised for lifetime achievement in improving understanding and treatment of MS.
Alliance holds pivotal London meeting
A meeting of minds took place at the recent International Progressive MS Alliance event in London
Do anti-inflammatory drugs delay disability in secondary progressive MS?
A new study recently published uses ‘real-world’ data to investigate the effects of disease modifying therapies on secondary progressive MS
Alternative therapies: more evidence needed
A review shows complementary therapies are yet to be proven for MS
New award for global MS researchers
MSIF and the Dutch MS Research Foundation launch Global MS Research Booster Award for researchers studying the cause of MS
Vacancy: Head of Research and Access
An exciting opportunity to lead the search for improved understanding and treatments for MS and better access to treatments and healthcare
Celebrating the role of new technologies in transforming the lives of people affected by MS
Matthew Miles, Chief Executive of MS Research Australia, shared insights on how technology is revolutionising research, treatment, diagnosis, and more
Physician-assisted death in multiple sclerosis
Survey results show a high hypothetical interest in physician-assisted death in people with MS
Latest MS research highlighted at French conference
French MS organisation ARSEP celebrates 26th annual conference
Long-term outcomes after HSCT for MS
International study looks at long-term progression in people with MS following stem cell therapy
Influence of ethnicity on disease progression
North African ethnicity is found to be a significant predictor of fast progression
Regulatory T Cells promote remyelination
Researchers uncover a molecule that promotes regeneration of myelin
MS Ireland takes action
MS Ireland launches two major new publications on early treatment and diagnosis of MS
Applications for MSIF fellowships and grants now open
The deadline for applications for McDonald fellowships and Du Pré Grants is 30 June 2017
First treatment licensed for primary progressive MS in the US
Ocrelizumab has been approved as a treatment for both relapsing and primary progressive MS in the US
Neurofilament is related to disability and brain shrinkage in MS
Study suggests neurofilament levels may be used as a marker of damage to brain cells in MS
No link between oral contraceptive drugs and MS relapses
Use of oral hormonal contraceptive drugs does not appear to be associated with greater risk of relapses
CCSVI: Latest findings show no association to multiple sclerosis
The latest and most thorough studies do not show an association between CCSVI and MS
Long-term safety and effectiveness of fampridine
Researchers find fampridine safe and effective in the long term for improving walking speed
Lifestyle risk factors in the progression of multiple sclerosis
Low vitamin D levels and smoking consistently associated with MS progression
Cognitive impairment and sodium concentration in gray matter
Advanced MRI shows sodium concentration in gray matter better explains cognition than atrophy in MS
Early treatment benefits individuals with a first attack resembling MS
People diagnosed with CIS who received early treatment are less likely to convert to MS
A simple specialised eye examination can show the effect of MS drugs
Optical coherence tomography may be used to test the effect of drugs in relapsing-remitting MS trials
Early evidence of multiple sclerosis in high risk family members
Some family members of people with MS show possible early signs of the disease without symptoms
Biomarker for predicting MS risk after clinically isolated syndrome
A biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid is associated with a higher risk of MS in people with CIS
Research highlights of 2016
Professor Alan Thompson highlights some of 2016’s research discoveries in MS
Neonatal vitamin D and the risk of MS
Further evidence shows the role of vitamin D in MS risk, especially during pregnancy
Recruitment complete for new progressive MS drug trial
250 people with progressive MS are taking part in the SPRINT-MS trial for ibudilast
No link between NR1H3 p.Arg415Gln and multiple sclerosis risk
A new study fails to replicate the role of a gene in developing primary progressive MS
Rituximab in multiple sclerosis
A retrospective study of rituximab use in MS shows evidence for its safety and effectiveness
Social cognition in multiple sclerosis
People with MS display increased deficiencies in social cognition
Geographical latitude and the onset of MS
People from countries with higher latitudes are found to have an earlier onset of MS
Further evidence for effectiveness of alemtuzumab
Study shows alemtuzumab can improve pre-existing disability in relapsing-remitting MS
Misdiagnosis of MS
Study identifies that migraine and fibromyalgia are frequently misdiagnosed as MS
Can specialised eye assessments monitor MS activity and attacks?
Researchers assess whether changes in the retina can be used as a marker of MS activity
Stem cell treatment in the news
Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) is being investigated as a treatment for MS
Alemtuzumab vs interferon in relapsing remitting MS
Study shows that alemtuzumab is more effective than interferon in reducing disease activity in relapsing remitting MS
Hormone replacement therapy could improve physical quality of life for women with MS
Researchers note a relationship between HRT and quality of life in women with MS after menopause
A new fingolimod-like drug is safe in people with relapsing-remitting MS
A phase II trial shows safety and efficacy of amiselimod
What happened at ECTRIMS 2016?
Researchers and health professionals gather for the latest updates and research findings on treatment, care and management of MS
Rebound syndrome after stopping fingolimod
Researchers find that suddenly stopping fingolimod may lead to severe worsening of symptoms in MS
Predicting long-term disability in MS
Australian researchers aim to predict future worsening of disability in people with relapse-onset MS
Stem cell treatment halts MS progression
Rebooting immune system provides long term relief for aggressive relapsing MS in Canadian study
Mitoxantrone and risk of cancer in MS
German study asks whether recipients of mitoxantrone are more likely than the general population to develop cancers
A new gene target for progressive MS
A mutation in a gene called NR1H3 could increase the risk of progressive MS
The role of gut microbes in multiple sclerosis
Researchers find a link between MS and microbes living in the gut
Consecutive pregnancies in MS
Research shows no difference in disease activity in successive pregnancies
2016 McDonald Fellowships and Du Pré Grantees announced
We are pleased to announce the recipients of our 2016 McDonald Fellowships and Du Pré grants
What happened at ECTRIMS 2015?
Our highlights from the world’s largest scientific conference on multiple sclerosis
Long-term evolution of MS disability in the treatment era
MRI is not a predictor of long term MS outcomes
Long-term effects of early treatment in people with MS
Early treatment of clinically isolated syndrome shows beneficial effects for relapse rate and cognitive functioning
Are brain lesions related to sexual dysfunction in women with MS?
Researchers investigate a link between brain lesions and severity of sexual issues in women with MS
Safety and efficacy of siponimod for relapsing-remitting MS
Siponimod study shows reduced MS activity and low relapse rates with no new safety concerns
The effect of salt intake on MS relapses in children
Research in the USA finds no link between salt intake and time to relapse in children with MS
Does season of birth contribute to the risk of developing MS in the UK?
Researchers find that birth month affects the risk of MS in the UK
Effects of an immune system gene on MS subtypes and MRI
HLA alleles are found to be associated with brain atrophy and a younger age of MS onset in women
Use of metabolic syndrome drugs in multiple sclerosis
Drugs used for metabolic syndrome may reduce MS activity in people with MS and obesity
Bigger brains can protect against physical disability
Research suggests that higher brain growth is linked to lower risk for disability progression in people with MS
A specialized eye test can predict disease progression in MS
Retinal thickness can be used as a measure to predict worsening disability in MS
Effectiveness of memory rehabilitation in people with MS
Review shows previous measures of memory rehabilitation were not reflective of daily life
Sex-specific differences in comorbid conditions in MS
Researchers find men with MS experience more chronic health problems at the time of diagnosis
Could gut microbes play a role in MS?
Microbes in the body’s gastrointestinal system appear to change how myelin genes are expressed in the brain
Alternative to natalizumab in people at risk of a brain infection
Swedish study favours rituximab over fingolimod for those at risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Does ethnicity play a role in neuromyelitis optica (NMO)?
The role of genes in NMO appears to vary depending on a person’s ethnicity
Coffee consumption and risk of multiple sclerosis
Research suggests that high consumption of coffee may protect brain cells from damage
Natalizumab is more effective than fingolimod in reducing relapses
French researchers compare oral and injectable drugs for relapsing-remitting MS
New drug ozanimod could be an effective alternative to fingolimod
An international study looks at the safety and efficacy of a drug similar to fingolimod
Obesity and MS
How common is obesity in people with MS and is it related to disability?
Epilepsy drug could protect nerves from damage in MS
A drug currently used to treat epilepsy could be used to protect cells in the optic nerve for people with all types of MS
Intrathecal Rituximab is not effective in progressive multiple sclerosis
A recent study has failed to show any benefit for Rituximab in people with secondary progressive MS
Fingolimod is not effective in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
A new trial has failed to show Fingolimod has any effect of in primary-progressive MS
Investigating cognition to fully assess MS progression
Study recommends including cognitive evaluation when measuring NEDA
Home-based exercises could reduce risk of falls in MS
Step training is shown to be effective in improving stepping, standing balance, and coordination
Hormonal treatment improves MS relapses in women
Hormones released during pregnancy could be a potential treatment for relapsing remitting MS
Vitamin D and early onset of MS
Genes, lifestyle, and environment in adolescence could be important factors in the development of MS
Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)
People with RIS evolve to PPMS at the same frequency as expected from general MS populations
Sexual dysfunction is common in MS
Sexual dysfunction is a common but often overlooked and undertreated symptom in MS
Oral steroids as good as intravenous in treating relapses
New data supports the use of oral steroid methylprednisolone to treat MS relapses
Controversial results from a new vitamin D study
New research shows no association between increasing blood vitamin D levels and reduced inflammation in relapsing-remitting MS
23 answers on predicting disease progression and MRI
MS researcher Arman Eshaghi answers questions from around the world
Results from a long-term observational study on MS
Long-term follow-up studies could help determine predictive factors for long-term clinical outcomes
Improving clinical trial designs in MS
Study suggests that longer observation time is necessary for more reliable results
New drug tested for relapsing-remitting MS
Results show daclizumab to be effective in reducing relapse rate and new lesions in relapsing-remitting MS
Recommended treatment after stopping natalizumab
Switching from natalizumab to an alternative drug may prevent disease reactivation
Your chance to ask a young researcher about his work
Arman Eshaghi will answer your questions
Cast your vote
Which of these MS research areas would you like to hear more about?
Interview with Mauricio Farez
We spoke to an Argentinian researcher studying the correlation between melatonin and MS
Cast your vote
Which of these MS research areas would you like to hear more about?
New target for understanding secondary progressive MS
Chemical in the brain involved in signaling may play a role in progressive MS
Fingolimod safety and efficacy confirmed
The results of a seven-year follow-up study confirm the safety and efficacy of fingolimod
Exclusive breastfeeding is safe following childbirth
A German study shows that exclusive breastfeeding does not increase the risk of relapse after childbirth
MSIF and ECTRIMS hold first joint alumni event
Current and past fellows of MSIF and ECTRIMS come together in Barcelona to share experiences
Can Melatonin improve MS?
Study suggests that melatonin could be a possible cause of seasonal changes in MS disease activity
Highlights from the ‘Living with MS Day’
On 6 October, 650 people affected by MS gathered in Barcelona for the ‘Living with MS Day’ event
Positive results for people with primary progressive MS
The results from a phase III clinical trial of Ocrelizumab in primary progressive MS are announced at ECTRIMS
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a possible biomarker in MS
A recent study suggests OCT could be used as an indicator of neuronal damage in MS
Further evidence for a brain region involved in fatigue in MS
Research shows that certain brain structures involved in effort-reward functions play a role in fatigue in MS
Improving walking with nabiximols: new findings
A study to assess whether nabiximols could be used to improve walking in people with MS
Delaying the development of secondary progressive MS
Recovery from early relapses can potentially delay or prevent onset of progressive MS
Characteristics of primary progressive MS
Researchers in Canada have investigated the natural history of 500 people with primary progressive MS
Predictive factors for developing MS
Identifying risk factors for developing further attacks and disability accumulation in patients with “clinically isolated syndrome"
Biomarkers of inflammation in progressive MS
There is a need to identify direct biomarkers of inflammation within the central nervous system
Official launch of the New Zealand Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust
A trust has launched in New Zealand to fund research to improve the lives of people with MS
A non-invasive method to identify MS progression
Researchers are looking for new biomarkers of disease, which could also recognise progression of MS in a reasonable time
Early identification of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in patients on natalizumab
A method for early detection of Natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in the absence of clinical symptoms
Hematopoietic stem cells and MS
The results of a multi-centre, phase II, randomized trial
New treatment for spasticity and pain
Radial shock wave therapy has been used to treat spasticity and pain in Italy
Spinal cord is affected early in primary progressive MS
Study suggests that early spinal neurodegeneration may underlie clinical impairment
Smoking worsens MS
Evidence shows that smoking increases the risk of developing MS and accelerates disease progression