National MS Society Commits Nearly $14 Million to New Research to Stop Multiple Sclerosis, Restore Function and End MS Forever

-- Explorations of myelin repair strategies, nerve protection, and a clinical trial to test whether an oral antioxidant can slow the course of progressive MS are among new leads being explored.

News provided by

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Oct 10, 2017, 07:01 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has committed nearly $14 million to support 40 new MS research projects. These are part of a comprehensive approach to accelerate research breakthroughs aimed at stopping MS, restoring lost function, and ending the disease forever.

This financial commitment is the latest in the Society's relentless research effort, investing $40 million in 2017 alone for new and ongoing studies around the globe. The Society stimulates studies worldwide, leverages opportunities, fosters collaboration, and shapes the research landscape to address the urgent needs of people with MS.

Just a few of the of the new cutting-edge research projects include a clinical trial at Oregon Health & Science University to determine if an oral antioxidant can slow progressive MS; a study by researchers at the University of Connecticut and University of Paris using cutting-edge technology to explore a novel way to repair nerve-insulating myelin to restore function; and a study at the University of Utah to determine whether exercises can improve balance in people living with MS.

"These important new research investments are part of the Society's comprehensive approach to address our most pressing research priorities and to accelerate breakthroughs that change the world for people with MS," noted Bruce Bebo, PhD, National MS Society's Executive Vice President, Research.

"Each year hundreds of thousands of dedicated people across the country, walk, run, bike, and even trek through mud at our events to raise money for our mission," said Cyndi Zagieboylo, the Society's President and CEO. "We could not fund this important research without them or any of our generous donors."

To find the best research with the most promise, the Society relies on more than 130 world-class scientists who volunteer their time to evaluate hundreds of proposals every year. This rigorous evaluation process assures that Society funds fuel research that delivers results in the shortest time possible.

For a list of the grantees and a description of each research project [https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Research/NewResearchFall2017.pdf ].

For more on multiple sclerosis and the National MS Society: nationalmssociety.org

SOURCE National Multiple Sclerosis Society