Improving treatment use in people with MS and related diseases

Dr Wei Yeh

Monash University, VIC

February 2025

specialisation: Neurobiology

focus area: Better treatments

funding type: Fellowship

project type: Investigator Led Research

Summary

Dr. Wei Yeh’s fellowship focuses on answering critical questions about the best use of immune treatments for MS and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). MS is the most common autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. Over the past two decades, treatments targeting the immune system have proven highly effective in reducing inflammation and preventing MS-related damage. Despite these advances, gaps remain in managing specific scenarios where evidence from randomised-controlled trials is lacking.  This includes situations like pregnancy planning, which is particularly relevant as MS is more common in women and deciding on an approach when treatments such as ocrelizumab need to be discontinued.

MOGAD, a newly defined autoimmune condition, is distinct from MS. MS treatments appear ineffective for MOGAD, emphasising the importance of accurate diagnosis. Currently, there are no established treatment guidelines for MOGAD, and it is unclear whether starting treatment early improves outcomes, as it does in MS.

Dr. Yeh will analyse high-quality data from specialist MS and MOGAD clinics, leveraging the MSBase International Registry, a global database of information about people with MS. For MOGAD research, Dr. Yeh will collaborate with the University of Oxford, a centre of excellence in MOGAD studies.

The fellowship aims to provide practical insights into using immune therapies for MS and MOGAD, focusing on preventing relapses and disability. These findings will have immediate applications in improving clinical care for people living with these conditions.

lead investigator

co-investigator

total funding

$225,000

start year

2025

duration

3 years

STATUS

Current project

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

10+ years

Translational Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline

5+ years

Clinical Studies and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline

3+ years

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Improving treatment use in people with MS and related diseases