MS Research Flagship at MSToronto 2026

This week, a number of our researchers are presenting their study findings on the world stage at the 10th joint Americas/European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS) Meeting in Toronto, Canada.

Here’s a summary of the research they're sharing:

Multiple Sclerosis in Australia National Estimates of Prevalence and Health Economic Impact for 2024

Dr Julie Campbell (lead author)

This report examined the current impact of MS in Australia, including how many people are living with the condition and its effects on health, quality of life, employment and use of disability support services. Drawing on national data and the Australian MS Longitudinal Study, researchers aimed to provide an up-to-date picture of the burden of MS to inform policy, advocacy and future planning.

Older Age Predicts Relapse-Associated Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis

Dr Yi Chao Foong (lead author)

Researchers investigated whether age influences the risk of ongoing disability following an MS relapse. Using data from the international MSBase registry, they examined outcomes after relapse in people of different ages and assessed factors that may affect recovery. The aim was to better understand how age impacts relapse recovery and inform treatment decisions for older people with MS.

Not All PPMS Is Still PPMS-A Single-Centre Audit of Patients Meeting 2017 but Not 2024 McDonald Criteria

Dr Yi Chao Foong (co-author)

Changes to the 2024 McDonald criteria have altered how some people are diagnosed with primary progressive MS (PPMS). Researchers reviewed records from people diagnosed with PPMS at a Hobart clinic and assessed whether they would meet both the 2017 and 2024 criteria. The aim was to understand how the revised criteria may affect diagnosis and access to care.

Structural Downward Mobility in Income for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis Threshold Dynamics, Decision‑Proximal Evidence, and Sex‑Based Baseline Vulnerability

Dr Mustafa Kamal (lead author)

Researchers examined how MS affects income and employment over time, including whether these impacts differ for men and women. Using data from people with MS and a matched comparison group from the general Australian population, they investigated the pathways through which MS may influence earnings and workforce participation. The aim was to better understand the economic effects of MS and identify opportunities to support ongoing employment and career progression.

Latent EBV-specific CD8⁺ T cells Exhibit Disease-specific Transcriptional Programming in Multiple Sclerosis

Panteha Khaledi (lead author)

Researchers investigated how immune cells called CD8⁺ T cells respond to different stages of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in people with MS. Using advanced genetic and cellular analyses, they compared EBV-specific T cell responses in people with MS and matched controls. The aim was to better understand how immune responses to EBV may contribute to MS and identify potential targets for future treatments.

Identifying Metabolic Markers Implicated in Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Onset and Severity

Eleanor Sabey (lead author)

Researchers investigated whether metabolites and lipids, small molecules found in the blood, are associated with the onset and severity of MS. Using blood samples collected over 15 years from people with MS and matched controls, they analysed metabolic patterns and the biological pathways linked to them. The aim was to improve understanding of the processes involved in MS and identify potential biomarkers for the disease.