1981 - First MRI pictures of a brain affected by MS are produced, revolutionizing MS diagnosis
1984 - First modern documentation of cognitive problems in MS
1988 - First demonstration, using MRI, of significant lesion activity in MS, even when the disease seems quiet
1993 - First disease-modifying therapy for relapsing MS approved
1996 - First proof that aerobic exercise improves physical and psychological well-being in MS
1999 - Society grantees first to isolate immature cells in the adult brain capable of developing into replacements for myelin-making cells destroyed by MS
2003 - Italian researchers transplant cells to enhance nerve tissue repair in mice with MS
2004 - Pivotal study by Society Fellow shows that Black Americans tend to have a more aggressive course of MS than whote Americans
2005, 2010, 2018 - “McDonald Criteria” for diagnosing MS updated by Society Task Force, speeding time to diagnosis for many
2007 - With support from Society to International MS Genetics Consortium, two genes are confirmed to be linked to MS risk; many more uncovered since
2007 - First large-scale trial of sex hormone estriol gets underway in women with MS, a result of the Society’s targeting of gender differences
2010 - First oral disease-modifying therapy approved for relapsing MS
2012 - Launch of Progressive MS Alliance to speed the development of therapies
2013 - Studies hint that exercise and rehabilitation can improve many functions and even help rewire the brain
2014 - First large, phase 2 clinical trials of myelin repair strategy for MS are launched
2015 - Results of phase 2 trial of anti-LINGO suggests it has potential as myelin repair strategy
2015 - Society co-hosts international conference on cell-based therapies to forge next steps for cell therapy in MS
2015 - Society funding helps launch MS Microbiome Consortium to promote research on role of gut bacteria in MS progression and treatment
2015-16 - Two large-scale clinical trials break through long-standing barrier by showing benefit in primary progressive and secondary progressive MS
2016 - Additional positive results announces from two studies of bone marrow-derived stem cells (HSCT) in people with aggressive, relapsing MS
2016 - Society-funded International Consortium of MS Genetics identifies 200 genetic variations linked to MS, offering new leads to how genes and other factors that make people susceptible to developing MS
2016 - Society launches two new studies testing the ability of dietary approaches to treat MS symptoms and improve quality of life
2016-17 - International Progressive MS Alliance awards three large-scale Collaborative Network Awards to promote solutions for people with progressive MS
2017 - First disease-modifying therapy for primary progressive MS is approved
2018 - First MS therapy specifically approved to treat pediatric MS
2018 - A Phase 2 trial showed that ibudilast could reduce brain atrophy in progressive MS. The trial was funded collaboratively by the National MS Society, the NINDS, its NeuroNext trials network, with support by MediciNova, the supplier of ibudilast
2019 - Study sponsored by the National MS Society conducted by leading experts estimates that nearly 1 million adults are living with MS in the United States. This is more than twice the previously reported number
2020 - National MS Society releases recommendations for aHSCT-bone marrow transplant for MS
2020 - Society-supported Wellness Research Group publishes exercise and physical activity recommendations for ALL people with MS
2020 - National MS Society, Consortium of MS Centers, and others establish the North American MS COVID-19 Clinical Database and contribute to global initiative to track COVID in people with MS
2021 - Study shows that stem cells derived from skin of people with MS make normal myelin, a plus for future nervous system repair strategies
2021 - Studies suggest changes in nervous system related to MS begin well before there are preceptible symptoms - offers promise for stopping the disease before it is diagnosed
2021 - Society-funded researchers discover subset of brain cells that fight inflammation with instructions from gut bacteria, opening new therapy approaches
2022 - The Pathways to MS Cures research roadmap is published and gains global endorsement
2022 - Society-funded researchers publish the strongest evidence yet that the common Epstein-Barr virus can trigger MS when other risk factors are present