MS research alliance

MS Research Australia has joined the International Progressive MS Alliance, a global alliance formally established in 2013 to work towards ending progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).

Coordinated by the MS International Federation, the alliance includes organisations in the USA, UK, Italy, Denmark, Spain and Canada.

MS Research Australia has pledged $1.1 million over the next 3 years towards the collaborative project.

MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system. Fifty per cent of people with relapsing-remitting MS will develop progressive MS within 10 years, while 90% will develop progressive MS within 25 years.

Treatment options are limited for progressive MS and much less is known about this form of the condition. Around 10% of people are diagnosed with the primary progressive form of MS from the outset. Their neurologic functions steadily worsen and they typically experience only temporary or minor improvements, but for most, there are few remissions.

The alliance will fund projects that look at key challenges in progressive MS research, such as better understanding progression of the disease and trials to test new therapies, as well as support the formation of international collaborative research networks.

“Working in isolation on an issue such as progressive MS risks duplicating efforts or making only slow progress,” said Dr Matthew Miles, CEO of MS Research Australia. “By enabling global collaboration, this alliance is dedicated to fast-tracking the type of discoveries that can truly change lives.”

The first round of 22 research grants awarded to investigators in nine countries was recently announced. Australian MS researcher Dr Steven Petratos from Monash University obtained funding to support his research into preventing the degeneration of myelin and nerve fibres in MS, which aims to prevent illness progression and deterioration.

MS Research Australia joins the alliance as a managing member, with a key role in the executive committee and contributing technical advice and expertise. MS Research Australia will also continue to fund research into progressive MS in Australia.