Latest research news

Get up-to-date with everything MS research.

Our research community keep us updated with all the latest news. You can also head over to our research blog for a more in depth look at developments.

Octopus trial reaches recruitment milestone

We’re pleased to share the news that our Octopus trial has recruited more than 375 people with MS to the first stage of the trial. We’ve reached this goal two months ahead of schedule, thanks to an incredible response from the MS community and the hard work of our Octopus trial sites.

Myelin repair trial completes recruitment – results expected late 2025

The 70th person with MS has joined our phase 2 myelin repair trial in Cambridge. The trial team have now reached their recruitment goal and we should have results next year.

New study suggests Black and South Asian people with MS in the UK don’t have a higher risk of severe MS

Dr Ben Jacobs is a neurologist and researcher, trying to get a better understanding of MS in people from non-European ancestries. He shares the results of his latest study.

Research shows genetically engineered human cells can repair myelin in mice

Scientists at our Edinburgh Centre for MS Research have used a gene-editing technique to boost myelin repair.

MS-STAT2 trial shows that simvastatin is not an effective treatment for secondary progressive MS

The results of the MS-STAT2 trial were announced by Professor Jeremy Chataway.

HERCULES trial shows tolebrutinib slows progression in non-active secondary progressive MS

For the first time, a phase 3 trial has shown a drug can slow down disability progression in people with secondary progressive MS who don’t have relapses. In two other phase 3 trials, tolebrutinib also slowed progression in relapsing MS.

New research suggests inflammation outside the brain contributes to MS progression

Research we funded found inflammation outside of the brain, which can be caused by factors like infections, smoking and obesity, could contribute to progression of MS.

Training the next generation of MS symptom management researchers

Researchers at our new Doctoral Training Centres will investigate how to best manage MS symptoms without using drugs.

Research shows diet has potential to help people with MS

New research combines evidence from around the world about which foods have the most potential to improve quality of life and reduce disability for people with MS.

New research reveals the power of microglia in smouldering MS

The brain’s resident immune cells are in overdrive in MS. New research has identified one potential reason why. And, how the cells could be controlled.

New genetics research could help diagnose MS earlier

Researchers have developed a way to predict whether people with optic neuritis will go on to be diagnosed with MS.

New insights into risk of MS in people living with HIV

A study of health information from people who are living with HIV and taking antiviral treatments showed they had a reduced risk of developing MS.

New research with ancient human DNA shows the origins of MS risk genes

An international collaboration of researchers has shown genes linked to MS may have evolved as a way to protect against infections.

Phase 3 trials show evobrutinib is no better than existing treatments for people with relapsing MS

Pharmaceutical company Merck announced the results of the EVOLUTION (evolutionRMS1 and evolutionRMS2) clinical trials earlier this month. They found evobrutinib wasn’t more effective at reducing relapses than existing drug teriflunomide.

New research shows dose of cladribine treatment may predict risk of future relapses and lesions

Researchers in London have found that new disease activity after treatment with cladribine could be connected to two factors before, and during treatment.

Introducing Platypus – the Australian extension of our Octopus trial

People with progressive MS in Australia now have the chance to join Platypus – an extension of the Octopus trial.

Early research trials stem cell injection into brains of people with MS

A phase I clinical trial in Italy showed a technique to deliver stem cells directly into the brain was feasible and safe for a small group of people with secondary progressive MS.

New research shows AI may help doctors interpret MRI scans more accurately

Researchers have now found artificial intelligence (AI) may help detect changes on MRI scans more accurately.

World-first clinical trial for advanced MS: hundredth participant joins ChariotMS

Tina Morris is the hundredth person to join ChariotMS, our phase 2 trial testing whether cladribine can help people with MS maintain the use of their arms and hands.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at the ECTRIMS research conference

ECTRIMS is the world’s largest MS research conference. One of this year’s much discussed topics was equality, diversity and inclusion.

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