Join us for the webcast on ending MS progression

Register now to join us for the webcast on Ending MS progression

Thursday, 15 June, 2023 at 11:00 am EDT, 4:00 pm BST, 5:00 pm CEST

Don’t miss this breaking news webcast on progressive MS research live from the International Progressive MS Alliance Scientific Congress in Vienna, Austria.  Hear the results from 17 innovative research projects funded by the Alliance focused on unravelling the mystery of progression and identifying new targets for treatments that will ultimately slow or stop progression.  A panel of international MS experts will share findings and insights that not only inspire hope but demonstrate real progress in ending progressive MS.

About the Panellists

Professor Robert Fox, MD is the Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee of the International Progressive MS Alliance.  He serves as Staff Neurologist at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Vice-Chair for Research at the Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, and Professor of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. Dr Fox’s research interests focus on clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, innovative MRI techniques to evaluate tissue recovery after injury and the effects of MS treatments, as well as MS patient decision-making and tolerance to risk. He has published more than 200 peer reviewed papers, book chapters, and books.

Professor Laura Airas is a clinician-scientist based in Turku, Finland. She is an MS specialist who consults at the Turku University Hospital Neurology clinic. She conducts research on progressive MS at Turku PET Centre. She has a special interest in elucidating the CNS pathology contributing to MS disease progression. Her research group uses a combination of advanced imaging, clinical phenotyping and soluble biomarker analysis to better understand the pathology leading to MS disability, with an overall aim to develop new efficient treatments for this undertreated condition.

Dr. Jessica Fletcher leads the Glial Cell Signalling Research Group at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania. Her research focus is on the contribution of non-neuronal brain cells (called glia) to the neurodegeneration that causes progressive disability in MS. The ultimate goal of this research is to apply this understanding to create new brain repair therapies that can be used to improve the lives of people with MS.

Host

Jon Strum is an advocate and champion for people affected by MS everywhere. He provided care for his wife who lived with progressive MS until her passing in 2020. He is volunteer leader for the National MS Society (U.S.); serving as a trustee of his local chapter, Chair of the California Government Relations Advisory Committee and a member of the Community Review of MS Research Committee.  A communications professional, Jon is host of the RealTalk MS podcast. Since its launch in 2017, over 300 episodes of RealTalk MS have been downloaded more than 2,000,000 times by followers in over 100 countries. He is a past member of the Scientific Steering Committee of the International Progressive MS Alliance, ensuring the perspective and expertise of people affected by MS.

About the International Progressive MS Alliance

The International Progressive MS Alliance is a first-of-its-kind global research network aimed at accelerating the development of new, effective treatments for progressive MS. We are rallying the world through an unprecedented collaboration of MS organizations, researchers, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, trusts, foundations, donors and people affected by MS. Our promise is more than hope; it is progress.

The 15 June webcast will be live-streamed from the MS International Federation Facebook page and YouTube channel. Registration will ensure access to the webcast post-event if you are unable to join live.

MS International Federation (MSIF)  is proud to be a leading member of the International Progressive MS Alliance.

Catch-up on previous Alliance webcasts below

Click the settings toggle in the bottom right corner to watch the video with English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic or French subtitles.

Developing treatments to end MS progression: Recent advances and promising research

New, life-changing treatments are urgently needed for people with progressive MS. Hear from leading MS experts about the current state of treatments for progressive MS, active clinical trials that may provide new solutions, and research efforts to develop breakthrough treatments to ultimately end MS progression.

Expert panelists include Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, Professor of Neurology in the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine in the US and a leader in a large number of MS clinical trials; Dr. Jiwon Oh, staff neurologist, scientist, and Medical Director of the Barlo Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program at St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada; Dr. Emma Gray, Assistant Director of Research at the MS Society, UK, and leader of the strategic development of the MS Society’s broad research programme including the ground-breaking OCTOPUS clinical trial platform.  The webcast was hosted by Marie Vaillant, an international leader in the MS movement from Canada, a member of the International Progressive MS Alliance Scientific Steering Committee, and a person living with progressive MS.

Pain in progressive MS: advancing treatment and research

Pain can be one of the most difficult ‘invisible’ symptoms to describe and manage.  Up to two-thirds of people with MS report pain in worldwide studies. Those who experience pain may find it affects their daily life activities, such as work, recreation, mood and enjoyment of life.

Learn about the latest advances in treatment and research on the topic of pain during this 30-minute global webcast.  An international panel of MS experts answered questions submitted by people affected by MS throughout the world.  From ways to manage or reduce pain, to research seeking its cause, and developing new treatments, this webcast provides information to help improve quality of life and keep you informed.

Solving the mystery of progression: the key to new treatments for progressive MS

Understanding what leads to progression is key to developing breakthrough treatments for people with progressive MS.  Learn about 18 innovative research projects funded by the International Progressive MS Alliance focused on unraveling the mystery of progression and identifying new targets for treatments, that will ultimately slow or stop progression.  A panel of international MS experts will share findings and insights that not only inspire hope but demonstrate real progress in ending progressive MS.

Ending progressive MS

Professors Robert Fox and Ruth Ann Marrie, International Progressive MS Alliance researchers and neurologists, will share what we are learning about progressive MS and the launch of important, new research initiatives that will fuel the development of breakthrough treatments for progressive MS.  Don’t miss this 30-minute webcast.

There is an urgent need for new, effective treatments for people with progressive MS. Learn how the Progressive MS Alliance is driving three research priorities to meet that urgent need:

• Understand, prevent and reverse progression
• Speed up and improve clinical trials
• Improve well-being through proven therapeutic approaches

Answering questions on fatigue in progressive MS

Find out more about the panellists here.

Answering questions on progressive MS treatment and research

Find out more about the panellists here.

Accelerating Breakthough Treatments in Progressive MS

Find out more about the panellists here.

How a blood test and the use of artificial intelligence in MRIs could be game-changers

Find out more about the panellists here.