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MS ExplainedFuture research

Where will we find an answer?

Almost 150 years after it was first described, MS is still a condition with many mysteries: no known cause, no means of prevention, and no cure - but there have been significant advances.

Until the 1990s there were no drugs that had any effect on the underlying disease activity of MS. Treatment was focussed on medication and management of the various symptoms that people experienced. Whilst symptomatic treatment remains at the core of the medical management of MS, the last few decades have seen breakthroughs that have shown the possibility of developing therapies that may effectively tackle MS itself.

Very broadly, there are three main focuses of research for altering the course of MS:

  • Immune system - altering the processes that cause damage to nerves
  • Neuroprotection - protecting nerves to prevent any further damage
  • Repair - repairing or replacing damaged cells to reverse disabilities
More information from the MS Trust
MS Trust website - Research section
Next page - Immune system