Applications for Research Detecting MS Prior to Neurological Deficits

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society welcomes proposals for research focused on detecting multiple sclerosis before the onset of neurological deficits.

According to the society, there has been a gradual recognition that MS, like many other autoimmune and neurological diseases, has preclinical and prodromal phases. As defined in the RFA, preclinical MS occurs after pathological initiation of the disease and before any clinical signs or symptoms manifest themselves in an individual patient. Work has been done to better understand the RIS population and the potential for early treatment. Retrospective reviews of medical records and health utilization have uncovered prodromal signs five to ten years before a first demyelinating event or MS diagnosis. In addition, some evidence suggests that age, sex, and disease course may impact the prodromal period. Little is known about how race or ethnicity may impact the course of the prodromal period. Finally, evidence of neuronal damage in the period well before clinically definite MS is emerging through studies of biomarkers such as blood neurofilament light chain.

Earlier identification of individuals who will go on to develop definite MS will require advances in several research areas, including a better understanding of the biological pathways driving the MS preclinical and prodromal periods, further development of biomarkers, and improved understanding of environmental and genetic risk factors and their interactions that lead to pathological initiation of disease. Advances in these areas will ultimately lead to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and perhaps even prevention of MS

The RFA is intended to support knowledge generation that eventually leads to early detection of MS at the individual level; the RFA does not include funds to start new MS cohorts. Applicants are encouraged to utilize existing cohorts and associated datasets and biological samples. Areas of high interest include studies that utilize robust/well characterized biomarkers (fluid, tissue, imaging, behavioral) to evaluate combinations of risk factors, biomarkers, and health data in stratifying risk in underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations and to better understand the mechanism of specifically identified MS risk factors using animal models, cellular models, or MS tissues.

Grants of up to $300,000 over two years will be awarded.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit research institutions and commercial organizations from around the world.

Pre-applications are due April 23, with final applications due April 30, 2021.

See the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.