Preventing MS in High-Risk Groups

The Plan for Progress in High-Risk Groups

biomarkers that indicate people are already in the prodromal stage of the disease

Learning from prevention studies conducted by other disease groups

Understanding the underlying biology of MS in order to discover targets for new therapies

Genetic Tools

To prevent MS in higher-risk individuals, we have to first know who they are. Genetic tools would allow us to confirm which people have the genetic disposition for MS. This means that researchers also need to consider how to communicate the level of an individual’s risk in a way that protects their privacy and minimizes adverse outcomes.The Genes and Environment in Multiple Sclerosis Project established one basis for researching the events that lead to an MS diagnosis in high-risk individuals. They used a genetic and environmental risk score to identify subjects with twice the MS risk when compared to the average family member. At the time of publication, the initial incidence rate in these subjects was 30 times greater than that of sporadic MS." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Ending MS for those at higher risk focuses on:

Developing genetic tools to identify family members at higher risk of MS
Identifying biomarkers that indicate people are already in the prodromal stage of the disease
Learning from prevention studies conducted by other disease groups
Understanding the underlying biology of MS in order to discover targets for new therapies

Genetic Tools

biomarkers that indicate people are already in the prodromal stage of the disease

Learning from prevention studies conducted by other disease groups

Understanding the underlying biology of MS in order to discover targets for new therapies

Genetic Tools

Ending MS for those at higher risk focuses on:

Developing genetic tools to identify family members at higher risk of MS
Identifying biomarkers that indicate people are already in the prodromal stage of the disease
Learning from prevention studies conducted by other disease groups
Understanding the underlying biology of MS in order to discover targets for new therapies

Genetic Tools

Biomarkers for MS and the MS Prodrome

The right biomarkers would allow us to detect the prodromal phase of MS. Scientists aim to map the MS prodrome to identify relevant biomarkers that predict MS. With confirmed biomarkers for MS, scientists could design prevention studies — and eventually treat MS in people in this group before they have symptoms.

Other Prevention Study Examples

Studies of how to prevent rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes in high-risk groups have proven that biomarkers and genetic factors can predict disease risk. They also provide a model for prevention trials for MS. Researchers are looking for additional examples from other diseases. This way, when researchers have validated MS risks for this population, they will have a blueprint for testing prevention strategies.

Biomarkers for MS and the MS Prodrome

Other Prevention Study Examples

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