Emerging research and treatments

In MS, the immune system becomes confused and attacks the protective myelin coating around our nerves.

To stop MS we need to find treatments that repair the damage to the protective myelin coating around nerves. This will complement treatments that aim to stop immune attacks and protect nerves from damage.

If we can find drugs that can protect nerves from damage then we have the potential to stop MS getting worse, and even reverse disability for some people.

As more research into understanding and treating progressive MS happens, there's real hope of finding new treatments.

Stem cells are a hugely exciting area of research. As well as being a key research tool, they’re also being developed as treatments for MS, like HSCT.

Researchers are working hard to fully understand the link between vitamin D and MS, and to test if vitamin D could be a treatment for MS.

Genetics is the study of our genes and how they might be linked to conditions like MS. We've learned a lot about how genes might influence the risk of developing MS in recent years.

We know that MS can differ in men and women. We’re now working to understand the role hormones like oestrogen and testosterone play in MS.

Viruses are tiny microbes that can make us ill. Some viruses might be involved in MS. One virus linked to MS is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

We're really close to finding new MS treatments. Scientists are finding new and innovative ways to stop the immune system attacking myelin. And they're also developing drugs that could reverse damage and protect nerves.

The momentum is building and we won't give up until we've stopped MS for good. Find out about the discoveries being made by our researchers.

Get involved and you can help to shape the future direction of MS research.

Our Research Network is a group of people living with MS who are helping to shape our research programme.