APPG for MS re-establishes and meets to discuss MS research.

The APPG brings together MPs and Peers who want to tackle issues facing people living with MS. It gives parliamentarians a chance to hear directly from experts and people affected by MS. And to advocate for change in Parliament. We support the APPG as its secretariat.

What happened at the AGM?

First, MPs and Peers came together to re-elect the group’s chair. Oliver Ryan MP has chaired the APPG for MS since 2024. The other elected Officers are Lord Dubs, Lord Lamont and Sean Woodcock MP. The group is also made up of a long membership list of other cross-party MPs and Peers.

Developments in MS research

Next, the APPG were joined by expert speakers:

• Professor Jeremy Chataway, Consultant Neurologist and Professor of Neurology at University College London
• Dr Emma Gray, Director of Research at the MS Society

Professor Jeremy Chataway told the group about exciting recent developments in MS research. And how new treatments for some forms of MS have made a transformative impact on life for those affected. These breakthroughs have been driven by a better understanding of disease mechanisms and earlier diagnosis.

Dr Emma Gray shared the huge momentum in research towards prevention, including groundbreaking discoveries about the role of the Epstein-Barr Virus.

The group discussed how government, NHS and the research community can work together to overcome barriers in research. And speed up progress.

The importance of medical trials

Professor Jeremy Chataway and Dr Emma Gray explained how research breakthroughs can translate into real change for people living with MS. They shared some of the exciting research we’re funding, such as the Octopus trial.

The Octopus trial is the world’s first multi-arm, multi-stage trial for progressive MS. Trials like Octopus have created opportunities that didn’t exist just a few years ago for people with progressive MS.

The APPG heard from people with MS about what taking part in medical trials means to them.

Tony lives with secondary progressive MS and participated in the Octopus trial. He said:

“If you honestly want to make a difference, you have to be involved in something like this [...] This trial could be wonderful. So why wouldn’t I do it?”

What’s next for the APPG?

The APPG will write to the Minister for Health Innovation and Safety to share the latest developments in the MS research landscape. And ask how the government will ensure research progress delivers the best outcomes for MS patients.

The APPG will meet again in March to visit the MS Society Tissue Bank.

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