Important advances in many aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) research have been presented during 2013. Genetic research aimed at the identification of specific genes associated with pathways involved in the pathogenesis of MS continues growing, providing an overwhelming amount of new data whereas biomarker research field in MS is very active as well. Although a great deal of progress has been made in this area, large gaps are still present between candidate, validated, and clinically useful biomarkers. Biomarkers in MS are expected to assist in the diagnosis, prediction of disease course, and identification of treatment response. An elegant and detailed review discussed the current state and future use of biomarkers in MS. In the same line, a meta-analysis assessing the relationship between the size of treatment effect on brain atrophy and disability progression has been published in 2013. Major advances in the treatment of MS have occurred during the last two decades. With the advent of monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology, several humanized mAbs were designed to target specific key molecules and immune cell subpopulations involved in the process leading to inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss in MS Tenembaum S, Review on Recent Advances in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
Journal of Multiple Sclerosis was started in the year of 2014 to highlight these upcoming advancements in the field of MS research.
Last date updated on June, 2014
