The map of MS research
The six goals of MS research and how far each has come from the lab to proven treatment.
Many treatments are confirmed for stopping relapses. A few are confirmed for preventing MS, slowing progression and easing symptoms. Nothing is confirmed yet for protecting and repairing.
| Area | Status | Trials ever | Running now | Lab studies | Reviews | Confirmed | Failed | Next result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventing MS | Some treatments | 36 | 4 | 205 | 564 | 3 | 2 | AttackMSOctober 2027 |
| Stopping relapses | Treatments exist | 387 | 62 | 1,853 | 356 | 13 | 10 | ENHANCEJanuary 2027 |
| Slowing progression | Some treatments | 179 | 40 | 257 | 133 | 5 | 13 | MACSiMiSE-BRAINFebruary 2027 |
| Protecting and repairing | No treatment yet | 111 | 23 | 1,244 | 48 | 0 | 10 | NACPMSFebruary 2027 |
| Easing symptoms | Some treatments | 997 | 196 | 340 | 783 | 2 | 5 | SOLARIMSDecember 2026 |
| Towards a cure | No cure yet | 147 | 38 | 41 | 81 | 1 | 2 | — |
HOW TO READ THIS
Confirmed means at least one kind of treatment has met its main goal in a controlled phase 3 trial, or a phase 2 trial plus an approval. It does not mean the problem is solved: a confirmed treatment can have a small effect, work for one type of MS only, or leave most of the question open. Failed means a kind of treatment missed its main goal in a controlled trial and has not succeeded since.
Assembled by software from public sources.