While there is still a long way to go in understanding multiple sclerosis and finding a cure, we are pleased to look back on the important advancements that have been made to broaden our understanding of this complex disease and improve quality of life.
| 1981 — |
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) first used to examine a person with MS |
| 1995 — |
Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) approved by Health Canada for treatment of people with relapsing-remitting MS |
| 1996 — |
Canadian researchers find gene linkage to MS susceptibility |
| 1997 — |
Copaxone ® (glatiramer acetate) approved in Canada for people with RRMS who are able to walk to reduce frequency of attacks
Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation (MSSRF) funds Canadian Collaborative Project on Genetic Susceptibility in MS – $4.7 million over three years |
| 1998 — |
Rebif® and Avonex® (interferon beta-1a) approved in Canada for RRMS to reduce the number of attacks, slow the progression of physical disability and to reduce the number of brain lesions seen on MRI |
| 1999 — |
Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) approved by Health Canada as a treatment for secondary-progressive MS, to slow the progression of disability and to reduce the frequency of MS attacks |
| 2000 — |
MSSRF funds study of $4 million over six years that aims to determine whether transplanting bone marrow stem cells in people with MS can stop the disease
Interferon beta-1a found to have beneficial effect on cognitive impairment in RRMS
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| 2001 — |
MSSRF funds collaborative research study that seeks ways to repair myelin damage by MS, in the amount of $3.5 million over three years |
| 2002 — |
Study shows that pregnancy hormone estriol reduces MS lesions in women with RRMS |
| 2003 — |
International study conducted in Australia suggests that increased exposure to sunlight may reduce risks of developing MS |
| 2004 — |
MSSRF funds a five-year, $4.3 million study on children who experience an initial attack of MS and who go on to experience a second, in hope of identifying key triggers which cause MS
Link between vitamin D and the reduced risk of MS identified |
| 2005 — |
Health Canada approves Sativex® (a cannabis-based drug) for treatment of MS-related pain |
| 2006 — |
MS experts estimate that number of Canadians with MS is 55,000 to 75,000
Health Canada approves Betaseron® for treating people with clinically isolated syndrome that is suggestive of MS
Tysabri® (natalizumab) approved for treatment of RRMS to reduce the frequency of relapses, delay the progression of disability and reduce the number and volume of brain lesions seen on MRI
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| 2007 — |
Study finds that eye scan spots MS earlier in the course of the disease and may be useful in tracking progression |
| 2008 — |
MS Society funded researchers discover a protein involved in the maintenance of myelin
Dr. Paolo Zamboni identifies a possible association between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS
Official launch of endMS Research and Training Network, designed to accelerate discovery in the field of MS in Canada by increasing the capacity to conduct MS-focused research.
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| 2009 — |
Canadian researchers report that remyelination is more prominent in earlier stages of MS
Extavia® (interferon beta-1b) approved in Canada for reduction of relapses in RRMS and slowing of disability in secondary-progressive MS |
| 2010 — |
MS Society and the National MS Society (USA) commit over $2.4 million to support seven new research projects focusing on CCSVI and its relationship to MS
Study shows that interferon beta may reduce fatigue and cognitive deficits in patients with RRMS
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| 2011 — |
Gilenya® (fingolimod), the first oral disease-modifying therapy for MS, is approved in Canada
MSSRF funds a $3.8 million study on progressive forms of MS
MS Society funded study at the University of Alberta discovers new MRI method that measures iron levels in brain tissue to track disease progression |
| 2012 — |
FAMPYRA ® approved by Health Canada to improve walking in people with MS
MS Society launches the Research Portal to engage people with MS to participate in Canadian research studies |
