May 30, 2025, is the 17th annual World Multiple Sclerosis Day, a day when the global medical community focuses on those living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a complex and frequently misunderstood neurological disorder.
MS currently affects an estimated 2.8 million individuals globally. The condition is two to three times more prevalent among women than in men and usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 50.
The most common signs include blurred vision, muscle weakness, and poor balance. Without prompt care, some people may lose their ability to walk independently within a few years.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system erroneously assaults the body's own nerves. This damage is typically compared to an electrical cable with its insulating coating removed, exposing the core and causing short circuits in nerve signal transmission.
Conventional MS treatments, such as immunomodulatory medications, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and rehabilitation therapy, seek to halt disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and avoid recurrence.
In recent years, the introduction of targeted treatments and other experimental techniques has provided new hope for improving the quality of life for MS patients.
Diverse disease courses: Unveiling the four main types of MS
MS is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease primarily affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
It is caused by aberrant immune activation, in which autoimmune inflammation destroys the myelin—the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers—interrupting nerve signal transmission and resulting in multi-system functional deficits.
Despite sharing the same name, MS does not have a single disease course. In fact, each variety of MS constitutes a distinct "battlefield," with its own development patterns, treatment responses, and effects on everyday living.
MS is divided into four major kinds based on how the disease progresses:
Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)
This is the most prevalent kind, accounting for roughly 85% of all MS cases. Patients have clearly characterized relapses (symptom flare-ups such as hazy vision or trouble walking), which are followed by remission. Early treatment is critical for preventing relapses and slowing disease development.
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
Many people who have RRMS eventually progress to SPMS, in which symptoms gradually develop over time with no clear relapses. Walking becomes more difficult, and physical function steadily decreases.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) accounts for 10-15% of cases and is characterized by progressive deterioration without clear relapses or remissions. The onset is generally mild, and while the progression is gradual, the impact on everyday function can be significant.
Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS)
Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS) is the least prevalent type of MS. Patients have a gradual loss in function from the outset, punctuated by sudden relapses. PRMS is now commonly regarded as a subtype of PPMS, and treatment options are becoming more individualized.
Each MS kind presents differently, necessitating individualized diagnosis and monitoring strategies. Understanding your MS type is an important first step toward successful disease management and treatment planning.
Multiple factors intertwined: Identifying the five major risk factors for MS
MS pathogenesis research has progressed from the discovery of nerve myelin damage in the nineteenth century to the confirmation of its autoimmune nature in the twentieth century, and more recently to the identification of multiple contributing factors such as viral infections, genetic susceptibility, gut microbiota, and environmental influences.
The development of animal models and understanding immune cell mechanisms has gradually revealed the intricate immunological dysregulation underpinning MS, propelling the advancement of targeted therapeutics.
MS is caused by a complex interaction of internal and environmental factors. The primary risk factors are described below:
Infections and immune imbalance
Viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), can cause aberrant immunological responses on myelin, resulting in nerve damage. Meanwhile, gut microbiota abnormalities, which include bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae, are strongly connected to MS development.
Unhealthy lifestyle
Smoking, physical inactivity, and high-fat, sugar-rich diets all dramatically raise the risk of MS. Notably, smoking increases the risk of acquiring MS and may hasten disease development.
Metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities
Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—components of metabolic syndrome—as well as chronic inflammation that causes cardiovascular damage, all contribute to MS onset.
Genetic susceptibility
MS is not a conventional hereditary disease, however people with a family history are at a higher risk. Certain genetic variations, such as HLA-DRB1*15:01, are substantially related with higher susceptibility.
Environmental factors
Vitamin D insufficiency, limited sunlight exposure, and living in high-latitude locations can all have a negative impact on immune system function, increasing the risk of MS.
In clinical practice, it is critical to understand that MS is caused by a combination of variables. A thorough understanding of these hazards facilitates early detection, quick intervention, illness progression delay, and effective treatment.
Comprehensive assessment and therapeutic advances: Diagnosis, management, and drug development in MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis is mostly based on a thorough examination of clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies.
The most often utilized imaging technology is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can detect demyelinating lesions in the brain's white matter. The presence of oligoclonal bands in CSF can provide indirect evidence of immunological dysfunction.
The internationally approved McDonald criteria consider the spread of lesions in time and space, allowing for early MS diagnosis while excluding other illnesses. The primary therapy goals are to control acute relapses, reduce disease progression, and alleviate symptoms.
Corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone) are used to manage acute relapses, whereas disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), including interferon-β and glatiramer acetate, lower relapse frequency and the creation of new lesions. However, these drugs are frequently limited by poor efficacy and severe adverse effects.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis includes critical processes such as aberrant B cell activation, T cell-mediated inflammatory responses, immunological tolerance breakdown, and neuronal damage. Current efforts for developing MS biologics are becoming more diverse, with the goal of targeting these fundamental pathways.
Targeting B cells:
- CD19 is expressed in early and activated B cell stages and contributes to antigen presentation and antibody generation. Eliminating inappropriately activated B lymphocytes can minimize autoimmune assaults on the central nervous system while also suppressing inflammation.
- CD20 is a surface antigen of B lymphocytes that promotes their proliferation and survival. Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (such as Ocrelizumab and Ofatumumab) effectively eliminate pathogenic B cells, minimizing autoimmune damage.
- Overactivation of BAFFR and BCMA, which regulate B cell survival and differentiation, can cause aberrant B cell growth and autoimmune inflammation.
- APRIL, like BAFF, affects B cell survival and function, affecting antibody production and contributing to immunological tolerance imbalance.
Targeting T cells and costimulatory molecules:
- Th17 cells secrete IL-17A, which boosts inflammatory cell infiltration into the CNS and increases inflammatory responses. It is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine during MS flare-ups.
- IL-2 R and IL-11 Rα regulate T cell proliferation and differentiation. Abnormal activation can lead to autoimmune reactions and brain tissue damage.
- OX40 Ligand and 4-1BB are T cell costimulatory molecules that promote activation and survival. Excessive activation may cause immunological dysregulation and increased inflammation.
- TL1A regulates T cells and innate immune cells, affecting inflammatory responses and disrupting immunological tolerance.
Modulating immune balance:
- The IFN-alpha/beta receptor regulates antiviral responses and immunological homeostasis, preventing excessive inflammation and slowing MS progression.
- The CD40 ligand promotes immunological activation and inflammation by facilitating contact between T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells. Abnormal expression can lead to autoimmune diseases.
Targeted immune cell depletion:
- CD52 is widely expressed on mature immune cells. Targeting CD52 allows for the reduction of hyperactive immune cells, which reduces CNS autoimmune assaults and alleviates MS symptoms.
Modulating immune balance:
- TGF-beta 1 and IL-10 are anti-inflammatory cytokines that regulate immunological responses, inhibit inflammatory cell activity, and promote brain repair and regeneration.
- IGF-I R, FGF R2, and GLP1R promote neuronal survival, repair, and remyelination, leading to improved neurological function.
- CXCL3 is a chemokine that modulates inflammatory cell movement and localization, impacting inflammation levels in lesion locations.
According to Pharmcube statistics, as of May 2025, the global MS drug pipeline included 119 biologics, including 30 approved drugs (12 of which are unique discoveries), 27 in clinical stages, and 62 in preclinical development.
ACROBiosystems pioneers MS therapeutics through novel solutions
ACROBiosystems has created a diverse product range that includes highly active recombinant proteins, functioning cell lines, and inhibitor screening assays.
Its solutions cover the entire drug development life cycle, from target discovery and validation to candidate drug screening and development, CMC manufacturing, and quality control, accelerating the efficient translation of MS innovative therapies from foundational research to clinical application.
Hot MS Target Recommendations. Source: ACROBiosystems
| . |
. |
. |
. |
. |
| CD19 |
BCMA |
TL1A |
OX40 Ligand |
4-1BB |
| IL-17A |
BAFFR |
TGF-beta 1 |
IL-2 R beta & IL-2 R
alpha & IL-2 R gamma |
IL-11 R alpha |
| IL-1 RAcP |
TGF-beta 3 |
IFN-alpha 1 |
IFN-alpha 2b |
Neuropilin-2 |
| IFN-alpha 2a |
IFN-alpha/
beta R1 |
CD20 |
CD52 |
CD40 Ligand |
| APRIL |
CD40 |
CXCL13 |
FGF R2 |
GLP1R |
| IGF-I R |
IL-10 |
IL-12B |
IL-23A |
IL-7 R alpha |
Image Credit: ACROBiosystems
Reference
- Mayo Clinic (2024). Multiple Sclerosis. (online) Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269.
- Marvanova, Marketa. (2013). Multiple Sclerosis and Its Symptoms. Pharmacy Tech Topics. 8.
- Landry, R.L. and Embers, M.E. (2023). The Probable Infectious Origin of Multiple Sclerosis. NeuroSci, (online) 4(3), pp.211–234. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci4030019.
- Eppes, M. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis You Can’t See. (online) Sheltering Arms Institute. Available at: https://shelteringarmsinstitute.com/rehablogs/symptoms-of-multiple-sclerosis-you-cant-see/.
- University of Florida Health. (2018). In Case You Missed It: OCOH, ‘Multiple Sclerosis: Advances in Care and Treatment’» HealthStreet» College of Public Health and Health Professions» University of Florida. (online) Available at: https://healthstreet.program.ufl.edu/2018/11/20/in-case-you-missed-it-ocoh-multiple-sclerosis-advances-in-care-and-treatment (Accessed 9 Sep. 2025).
About ACROBiosystems
ACROBiosystems is a cornerstone enterprise of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Their mission is to help overcome challenges with innovative tools and solutions from discovery to the clinic. They supply life science tools designed to be used in discovery research and scalable to the clinical phase and beyond. By consistently adapting to new regulatory challenges and guidelines, ACROBiosystems delivers solutions, whether it comes through recombinant proteins, antibodies, assay kits, GMP-grade reagents, or custom services. ACROBiosystems empower scientists and engineers dedicated towards innovation to simplify and accelerate the development of new, better, and more affordable medicine.
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