We’ve changed what it means to live with MS – but we won’t stop until we’ve cured MS for every single person.Critical Milestones1981 - First MRI pictures of a brain affected by MS are produced, revolutionizing MS diagnosis1984 - First modern documentation of cognitive problems in MS1988 - First MRI demonstration of lesion activity in MS, even when the disease seems quiet1993 - First disease-modifying therapy for relapsing MS approved1996 - First proof that aerobic exercise improves physical and psychological well-being in MS1999 - Society grantees first to isolate immature brain cells capable of developing into replacements for myelin-making cells destroyed by MS2003 - Italian researchers transplant cells to enhance nerve tissue repair in mice with MS2004 - Study by Society Fellow shows MS course is particularly aggressive among Black Americans2005, 2010, 2018 - McDonald Criteria for diagnosing MS updated by Society Task Force, speeding time to diagnosis for many2007 - With support from Society to International MS Genetics Consortium, scientists confirm two genes linked to MS risk; many more uncovered since2010 - First oral disease-modifying therapy approved for relapsing MS2012 - Launch of Progressive MS Alliance to speed the development of therapies2013 - Studies hint that exercise and rehabilitation can improve many functions and even help rewire the brain2014 - Important clinical trials of myelin repair strategy for MS launched2015 - Society co-hosts international conference on cell-based therapies to forge next steps for cell therapy in MS2015 - Society funding helps launch MS Microbiome Consortium to promote research on role of gut bacteria in MS progression and treatment2016 - Positive results regarding bone marrow-derived stem cells (HSCT) in aggressive, relapsing MS announced2016 - Society-funded International Consortium of MS Genetics identifies 200 genetic variations linked to MS2016 - Society launches studies on dietary approaches to treat MS2017 - First disease-modifying therapy for primary progressive MS approved2018 - First MS therapy to treat pediatric MS approved2018 - Study shows that ibudilast can reduce brain atrophy in progressive MS2019 – A Society-sponsored study estimates that nearly 1 million adults are living with MS in the U.S.2020 - Society issues recommendations for aHSCT-bone marrow transplant for MS2020 - Society-supported Wellness Research Group publishes exercise and physical activity guidance for ALL people with MS2020 - North American MS COVID-19 Clinical Database established2021 - Study shows that stem cells from skin of people with MS make normal myelin2021 - Studies suggest changes in nervous system related to MS begin well before noticeable symptoms - offers promise for stopping the disease before it is diagnosed2021 - Society-funded researchers discover brain cells that fight inflammation with instructions from gut bacteria2022 - Pathways to MS Cures research roadmap published and gains global endorsement2022 - Society-funded researchers publish the strongest evidence yet that Epstein-Barr virus can trigger MS when other risk factors are present