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. 2024 Sep;30(10):1242-1251.
doi: 10.1177/13524585241266483. Epub 2024 Aug 30.

The refined Pathways to Cures Research Roadmap for multiple sclerosis cures

Bruce F Bebo Jr  1 , Brenda L Banwell  2 , Caroline C Whitacre  1 , Timothy Coetzee  1 , Ulrik Dalgas  3 , Phillip L De Jager  4 , Anne-Katrin Proebstel  5 , V Wee Yong  6 , Etty N Benveniste  7 , Alan J Thompson  8
Affiliations

The refined Pathways to Cures Research Roadmap for multiple sclerosis cures

Bruce F Bebo Jr et al. Mult Scler. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system affecting nearly 3 million people worldwide. Although much progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of MS, cures remain elusive.

Objectives: To accelerate the development of cures for MS by updating the Pathways to Cures Research Roadmap based on a contemporary understanding of disease. The refined Roadmap will help to promote research in scientific areas with great potential to reveal insights leading to cures and inspire greater coordination of global resources.

Methods: Refinements to the Roadmap were achieved during a Global Summit that included close to 200 academic and industry scientists, health care providers, policy makers, funders, and people with MS from 15 countries.

Results: The refined Roadmap describes three pathways that target opportunities for generating scientific insights leading to cures. Recommendations for accelerating research progress include, lowering barriers for global data sharing, enhancing collaboration and coordination among research supporters, committing to sustained funding, considering implications for implementation, engaging PwMS and committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the global MS movement.

Conclusion: The refined roadmap provides a strategic framework for tackling the complexities of MS and advancing prevention strategies, effective treatments, and cures.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; advocacy; funding; strategy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: BFB has as no relevant conflicts. BLB serves as a consultant to Novartis, UCB, Roche, and Sanofi for work unrelated to the present manuscript. BLB receives funding for research grants from the NIH and National MS Society. CCW has no relevant conflicts. TC has received travel support from Sanofi. UD has no relevant conflicts. PLD has received research support from Biogen and Merck Serono. AKP has no relevant conflicts. VWY is funded by research grants from MS Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, USA Department of Defense Multiple Sclerosis Research Program, Genentech and Novartis. He has received speaker honoraria from Biogen, EMD Serono, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme and Teva Canada. He is the recipient of unrestricted educational grants from Biogen, EMD Serono, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme and Teva Canada to support educational activities of the Alberta MS Network, which he directs. ENB has no relevant conflicts. AJT is Co-Chair, UCL-Eisai Steering Committee drug discovery collaboration (paid to institution), Member, National MS Society (USA) Scientific Advisory Committee (receive support for travel), Clinical Trials Committee, Progressive MS Alliance (receive support for travel), Board member, European Charcot Foundation (receive support for travel), Editor in Chief, Multiple Sclerosis Journal (receiving honorarium from SAGE Publishers), Editorial Board Member, The Lancet Neurology (receiving free subscription).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Opportunities for Pathways to Cures Interventions.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Recommendations for accelerating Pathways to Cures.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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