By: Dr. James W. Stark

The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis or ECTRIMS conference recently wrapped in London, England. ECTRIMS is a large international MS conference, which brings together hundreds of MS researchers, clinicians, and other health care professions to present and discuss the hottest topics in the field today. Much has come out of the conference including updates on several new disease modifying drugs, which have shown promise for both relapsing and progressive forms of MS. These include siponimod and ozanimod (both similar to the currently used medication called fingolimod or Gilenya) as well as ocrelizumab (similar to rituximab). Bone marrow transplantation (HSCT), the role of gut bacteria and MS, and new thoughts on biomarkers in MS were also discussed. Among the many other presentations were preliminary data on lipoic acid, new research on simvastatin and antidepressants in MS, as well as further reports on the dangers of smoking and the benefit of vitamin D. As more information becomes available, the IMSMP will continue to update you!