Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic degenerative auto-immune disease affecting the
central nervous system; its etiology is unknown though the effects are associated with both physical and
cognitive impairments. MS is considered an autoimmune disease because the body's immune system attacks
myelin, a key substance that serves as a nerve insulator and helps in the transmission of nerve signals.
While more common in young adults, particularly women, between the ages of 20 and 40, individuals of all
ages are diagnosed with this debilitating disease. MS affects approximately 400,000 individuals in the United
States and about 2.1 million individuals worldwide. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness or weakness in
the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of
MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society*, people with MS typically experience one of the following four disease courses, each of which might
be mild, moderate, or severe: (1) Relapsing-Remitting MS (clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic
function, approximately 85%), (2) Primary-Progressive MS (slowly worsening neurologic function from the
beginning, with no distinct relapses or remissions, approximately 10%), (3) Secondary-Progressive MS
(following relapsing-remitting MS, development of a secondary-progressive disease course, which worsens
steadily. Before disease-modifying medications became available, approximately 50% of people with
relapsing-remitting MS developed this form of the disease within 10 years. Long-term data are not yet
available to determine if treatment significantly delays this transition.), and (4) Progressive-Relapsing
MS (steadily worsening disease from the beginning, but with clear attacks of worsening neurologic function
along the way, relatively rare, 5%).
Although there is no cure for MS, some effective strategies are available to alter the disease progression,
manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. The cause of MS is still unknown; however, scientists believe
that a combination of immunological, environmental, viral, and genetic factors may be involved. Understanding
what causes MS will be an important step toward finding more effective ways to treat it and, ultimately, cure
it, or even prevent it from occurring in the first place.
*Lublin FD and Reingold SC. 1996.
Defining the clinical course of multiple sclerosis: Results of an
international survey. National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA) Advisory
Committee on Clinical Trials of New Agents in Multiple Sclerosis. Neurology
46(4):907-911.
Congressional Appropriations
- $14.3 million in FY09-11
- $3.8 million in FY12
Funding Summary
- 35 Awards in FY09-10
- Previous Applications Recommended for Funding
Integration Panels
