As we take our first steps into 2025, let’s take a moment to look back at ten of the biggest MS Australia news stories from 2024.
From exciting breakthroughs in myelin repair to research exploring the rising prevalence of MS in Australia, lifestyle recommendations for people living with MS and the funding of cutting-edge MS research in Australia, these are some of the stories that captured the attention of the MS community in 2024.
1. Promising new treatment in the PIPEline for remyelination in MS
Researchers develop a new molecule to boost myelin repair in MS.
2. Hunt for a cure: MS Australia commits $4.5 million to cutting-edge MS research
Australian research to uncover the genes that could repair the damage inflicted by MS will soon be underway; one of 17 cutting-edge projects to receive funding today from MS Australia’s latest $4.4m grants round.
3. InforMS: a new MS management app co-designed by people with MS
People living with MS explain why they love the new Australian MS app designed by people with MS, for people with MS.
4. Eating Well with MS: A Program Created with the MS Community to Empower Healthy Choices
MS Australia-supported researchers explore how an evidence-based, co-designed, digital nutrition education program empowers people with MS to make positive changes to their diet.
5. MS Australia Launches Major EBV Research Platform to Combat MS
MS Australia is bringing together the nation’s top researchers to unlock the complex link between EBV and MS, with the potential to revolutionise how we treat, prevent, and ultimately cure MS.
6. Could a simple blood test predict MS? New research on autoantibodies shows promise
Antibodies detected years before MS diagnosis may help identify people at high risk of developing MS.
7. Low intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances myelin repair in pre-clinical models
Researchers supported by MS Australia have found that low-intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances myelin repair in pre-clinical models of MS.
8. New Study Modelling Progressive MS in the Lab Reveals How Cholesterol Can Damage Nerves
Researchers investigated how increased cholesterol production in stem cells from people with progressive MS may contribute to nerve damage. They found using a cholesterol-lowering drug could reduce harmful effects, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.
9. The rising prevalence of MS across Australia’s states and territories
The prevalence of MS is increasing in Australia nationally as well as in individual states and territories. This has implications for the resources needed to prevent, treat and manage MS.
10. Lifestyle recommendations to promote brain health in MS
People living with MS and healthcare professionals developed lifestyle recommendations to support brain health in MS, as well as strategies to help people make these changes.
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