As I write, the world’s largest MS research conference – ECTRIMS* – is underway in Barcelona under the theme ‘A New Era of Precision.’
With over 1,800 abstracts and 9,000 delegates, including many Australians, the conference provides a stage on which the most significant developments in MS research are revealed.
ECTRIMs is much more than a conference. It’s the crucible at which our collective global research efforts are presented, digested and debated. New ideas are generated. New partnerships formed. And, most importantly, fresh hope is provided for the 2.9 million people living with MS across the world.
Although I am in cold Canberra and not sunny Spain, I’m following proceedings as closely as I can – alongside members of our research team who are attending in person – with five areas of special interest:
- Frontiers in precision medicine: This topic looks at breakthroughs in biomarker-driven therapy and risk stratification, early detection of preclinical MS and personalised treatment strategies powered by digital phenotyping and AI.
- Emerging cell and immune therapies, with ‘hot topic’ sessions including CAR-T therapies, novel monoclonal antibodies, and immune cell trafficking, which have been described as ‘potentially game-changing’ for progressive disease.
- Next-generation imaging and biomarkers, focussing on advances in MRI and PET imaging for chronic inflammation, and how biomarker panels are promising earlier diagnosis and more precise monitoring of disease activity.
- Neuroprotection and repair, including early data on remyelination agents, neuroprotective compounds, and regenerative therapies aimed at halting progression and restoring function.
- Quality of life and rehabilitation, with sessions on fatigue, cognition and digital rehabilitation tools.
Many Australian researchers and people living with MS will be in Barcelona for ECTRIMS, and MS Australia is also engaging in additional meetings with global experts and organisations. We look forward to bringing you the highlights on our social media channels over the coming days.
Of course, the very best of Australian research will feature at MSA’s very own Progress in MS Research Conference 2025: Causes – Care – Cures, to be held in Brisbane on December 3-5.
It will also feature stellar international speakers, including Prof Daniel Ontaneda of the Cleveland Clinic in the US and Prof Romain Marignier of the Neurological Hospital of Lyon in France.
We will also release new figures on the prevalence and economic impact of MS in Australia.
To register or learn more, visit the conference website. Hope to see you there!
*European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis.
