High-Impact Research to Change Lives

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Participants should leave energized by progress occurring in MS research, and should be able to inspire others by explaining in simple terms several promising areas of research and the Society’s role in driving progress

Stop, Restore, End – For Everyone with MS Finding Solutions for people with MS is Our Highest Priority -- Research is essential to changing lives We’ve invested nearly $870 million in research since 1947, contributing to many of the FDA-approved therapies We’re fueling research through increased investment –2014: $50.6 million for 380 new/ongoing projects –2015: $51+ million We now lead the way, funding more research and impacting more lives than any other MS organization in the world

Environmental Trigger Autoimmunity Genetic Predisposition What Causes MS? Loss of myelin & nerve fibers

MS Interrupts the Flow of Information Between the Brain and the Body Functional nerve cell Nerve cell with MS damage

Stop, Restore, End STOP -- Understand immune activity, progression, accelerate new therapies, discover how myelin and nerve cells are damaged and how to protect them RESTORE -- Myelin repair, rehab, exercise, symptomatic therapies END -- Identify risk and triggering factors, such as genes and lifestyle factors, for prevention –Follow all promising paths, with three priority areas: Progressive MS, Nervous System Repair, Wellness/Lifestyle

Multiyear Awards by Research Goals 380 active projects

Research Strategies Comprehensive and Collaborative –Pursue all promising paths, wherever they exist –Expand/strengthen MS research globally –Remain nimble to seize promising new opportunities Investigator-initiated and targeted Centralized peer review, funding and stewardship Fund worldwide – no boundaries

Research Strategies (cont.) Basic and translational investigations Foster collaboration, interdisciplinary approaches Support shared resources (ie tissue and DNA banks) Training awards to attract and keep scientists and physicians focusing on MS Commercial drug development partnerships to speed therapies Think tanks and workshops to identify gaps and opportunities, e.g. this week’s Wellness Strategy Mtg.

Driving Solutions 1993 Betaseron 2013 Skin stem cells myelinate mouse brain – human trials planned 1996 Research shows exercise helps MS 1981 First MRI scans revolutionize diagnosis 2010 First oral MS therapy 2002 Demonstrated benefit of sex hormone estriol leads to large trial Ten more approved therapies 1989 Natural myelin repair demonstrated 1992 First research on exercise in MS 1965 Society convenes panel to improve MS diagnosis 2004 Link: vitamin D intake and MS risk 2009 New evidence that early treatment delays progression $7M $868M cumulative research investment st int’l conference on trials creates path for MS therapies 1998 Targeted initiative into gender differences in MS $49M $186M $686M 2010 First drug to improve walking 2005 Nervous System Protection & Repair Initiative jumpstarts field 2012 Progressive MS Alliance launched 2003 Smoking reported as a modifiable risk factor for MS 2007 Society convenes Stem Cell Summit