BioCentury
ARTICLE | Strategy

Progressive thinking in MS

October 2, 2014 7:00 AM UTC

Despite the slew of treatments that have entered the market in the last few years for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, there have been few advances in the progressive form of the disease, largely because there is less funding and no coordinated strategy. To corral research efforts from around the world, the International Progressive MS Alliance has launched the pilot phase of a 5-year, €22 million ($28 million) initiative with funding for 22 projects and is preparing for a second round with a new call for proposals in November.

The alliance is led by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation together with the MS societies of Australia, Canada, Italy, the U.K. and the U.S., with support from societies in Denmark and Spain. The group created the initiative to cast a spotlight on and channel research toward the progressive form of the disorder...