Doctors and scientists are still looking for better ways to diagnose and treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Research is also helping them understand what may raise the risk of MS. New studies are focusing on treatments that may better control inflammation, protect nerves, and repair myelin, especially for people with progressive MS.

Recent research has led to new disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS. Researchers are also studying new tests and other possible treatments, such as stem cell therapy. Some studies are helping show how genes may affect how MS changes over time.

Stem cell treatments are among the most talked-about possible advances in MS research, but they’re still experimental and not widely available. In this article, we’ll cover some of the latest advances in MS knowledge, diagnosis, and treatment.

Genes and Progression of MS

Genes can affect a person’s risk of developing MS. They may also play a part in how active or severe MS becomes, how often relapses happen, and how symptoms change over time.

A large study in 2023 found that certain genes can affect how quickly MS progresses. Researchers noted that people with MS who had a specific genetic variant needed help walking 3.7 years earlier than those without the variant. Researchers believe these findings may show how genes affect the brain’s ability to handle MS damage and the way MS changes over time.

PET Scans for Diagnosing MS Sooner

Diagnosis is the first step to understanding and treating a disease. MS is diagnosed by MRI scans, blood tests, and sometimes spinal taps. In a spinal tap, fluid is removed from the space that surrounds the spinal cord.

One clinical trial is studying whether PET scans can help diagnose and monitor MS. PET scans use a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for changes in the body, including in the brain.

Recent research has used PET scans to find ongoing inflammation in MS that may not show up on MRI. Researchers are also studying whether PET scans can measure myelin levels in people with MS. In the future, these scans may help doctors spot MS activity earlier and guide treatment sooner.

What Are the Latest MS Treatments?

The newest FDA-approved MS treatments are still disease-modifying therapies. These drugs don’t cure MS, but they can help reduce relapses and slow the disease.

Some newer additions include:

• Cladribine (Mavenclad)
• Ocrelizumab hyaluronidase (Ocrevus Zunovo)
• Ofatumumab (Kesimpta)
• Ublituximab (Briumvi)

Other disease-modifying therapies are approved for specific types of MS. Siponimod (Mayzent) is used to treat relapsing forms of MS. Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) is used to treat relapsing forms of MS and primary progressive MS.

Ublituximab

Sold under the brand name Briumvi, ublituximab is a DMT for relapsing forms of MS. Relapsing forms include relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS.

Ublituximab is believed to work by targeting B cells, an immune system cell. B cells cause damage to the central nervous system (CNS) through the production of immune proteins called antibodies. Ublituximab is given as an IV infusion, meaning it’s delivered into a vein in a hospital or clinic setting.

Ocrevus Zunovo

Sold as Ocrevus Zunovo, ocrelizumab hyaluronidase is a newer version of ocrelizumab (Ocrevus). Ocrelizumab targets specific immune cells to help prevent damage to the CNS and spinal cord. Hyaluronidase helps ocrelizumab stay in the body longer, so the medicine can have a greater effect.

Ocrevus is given as an IV infusion for relapsing forms of MS and primary progressive MS. Ocrelizumab hyaluronidase is given as an injection under the skin twice a year. It works the same way as Ocrevus and is just as effective.

Common side effects are pain or swelling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet.

Research Into New MS Treatments

Research into new MS treatments is focused on three main goals:

• Controlling inflammation
• Slowing disease progression
• Repairing myelin or protecting neurons

The most active areas right now are BTK inhibitors, remyelination therapies, and cell-based or immune-reset approaches.

Fenebrutinib

Fenebrutinib is a medication currently being studied for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. It works by turning off Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). BTK is an enzyme that activates B cells. Blocking BTK helps prevent MS activity that can lead to relapses and loss of brain tissue.

Fenebrutinib is a tablet taken by mouth every day. In studies so far, it has been shown to help limit new MS lesions in the brain. There are ongoing clinical trials comparing fenebrutinib to other DMTs, such as cladribine (Mavenclad), to see how well it works as an MS treatment.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is still being studied for MS, especially for people with highly active relapsing MS. One type of stem cell treatment aims to reset the immune system. Because this treatment has risks, it’s used only for certain people and at specialized treatment centers.

A 2024 study showed that stem cell therapy may improve disability after two months and reduce the number of brain lesions. An ongoing study called BEAT-MS is comparing stem cell therapy with DMTs.

Remyelination Agents

More research is needed to find out whether these therapies can directly repair myelin. This process of repair is called remyelination.

A 2025 study found that several DMTs may help with remyelination. More research is needed to prove whether these therapies can directly repair myelin.

Neuroprotection

Neuroprotection in MS means protecting nerve cells from long-term damage. Researchers are studying early changes in MS to find possible targets for neuroprotective treatments. They also need biomarkers, or ways to measure whether these treatments are working.

So far, no strong candidates for neuroprotective treatment have been found. Early treatment with DMTs, especially HE-DMTs, is still the best way to help protect nerve cells.

Vaccines To Prevent MS

Another area of research focuses on preventing MS via Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccines. More than 90 percent of adults have been infected with EBV at some point in their lifetime.

There’s a strong link between EBV infection and MS risk, so scientists are exploring whether preventing EBV infection can prevent MS from developing.

So far, researchers haven’t been able to produce an effective EBV vaccine.

Joining a Clinical Trial

New MS treatments and advances wouldn’t be possible without clinical research. Participating in studies is an important way to help further research about MS, and may give you access to DMTs and other types of treatments not yet widely available.

The safety and privacy of clinical trial participants are ensured in many different ways. You can also leave a clinical study at any time.

There are thousands of clinical trials for MS listed on ClinicalTrials.gov taking place all over the world. You can also talk to your neurologist about whether you’re eligible for any clinical studies located near you.

Join the Conversation

On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

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