The latest in MS research, from MSAA’s Chief Medical Consultant

We caught up with Jack Burks, MD, of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) to find out his thoughts on what’s new and exciting in Multiple Sclerosis research. Here’s what he had to say:

What is your role at MSAA?

As a neurologist specializing in MS, I have worked with MSAA for more than 20 years in many capacities. For example, I have been a writer, editor, consultant, medical spokesperson, and have helped develop the esteemed MSAA Healthcare Advisory Council. Currently, I am MSAA’s Chief Medical Consultant, which involves providing MSAA with a medical perspective for patients, fellow MS experts, medical-related industries, and the general public.

In your opinion, what has research contributed to people living with MS in the past 10 years?

MS research in the past 10 years has greatly advanced our scientific understanding of MS and increased the number of FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) from 6 to 16. In addition, research into the role of genetics, myelin damage and repair, diagnostic advancements, treatment of progressive MS, and the importance of patient/doctor shared decision making are all hallmark advances. Obviously, research discoveries for newer drugs to treat MS more aggressively (including progressive MS) are exciting. In addition, research that has advanced MS patients’ personal role in their own wellbeing is proving to be significant in helping people to cope with their own MS, with the potential to improve their quality of life enormously. Worldwide attention to MS research has led to treatment for most patients. In addition, many MS nonprofit organizations have contributed to MS services, education, and community awareness.

What do you wish people knew about clinical trials and medical research?

I want people with MS, their families, and friends to realize the enormous research efforts that are focusing on finding better ways to diagnose MS and treat all types of the disease. Many new potential MS therapies are currently under investigation. Through the cooperation among patients, scientists, healthcare clinicians, MS medical-related companies, and nonprofit organizations, new advances are being reported frequently. I want people with MS to learn more about their disease and the research advancements, so they may become advocates and better consumers of their own best healthcare.

What are you most excited about in regard to MS research right now?

For me, increasing our understanding of the underlying cause of MS and developing better treatments for all patients are most exciting. Stopping the nervous system damage and repairing past damage are vital research areas. Therapies to help people with progressive MS are becoming a reality. The pipeline of potential treatments is rapidly expanding. These create excitement for the entire MS world.

What is coming down the pipeline that people living with MS should know about?

Some potential MS therapies may utilize treatments already available for other illnesses. Some may restore damaged or lost myelin. Some will focus on quality of life for the patients and caregivers. Exercise, stress management, yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, and other therapies are having positive effects. A new pipeline of research is providing a better understanding of the relationship between “gut” (gastrointestinal) bacteria and the brain. It may be that changing one’s gut bacteria from “bad bugs” to “good bugs” can reduce brain inflammation.  

What is MSAA doing to help interested patients become involved in research?

MSAA and other nonprofit advocacy organizations are helping to educate patients on research, clinical trials, and other current research-related activities. MSAA offers various educational programs, assistance from Client Services Specialists through their Helpline, and published information, such as MSAA’s annual MS Research Update. Additionally, through MSAA’s partnership with Antidote, a search tool is now available on MSAA’s website to help guide patients to clinical trials. This may be found by visiting mymsaa.org and selecting “Clinical Trials Search” from the “MS Information” drop-down menu. From there, visitors are directed to the clinical trial search tool, which allows individuals to enter information and learn about trials appropriate for their specific condition and location.

What would be your advice to someone living with MS who is considering participating in a trial?

Volunteers are greatly needed to learn about potential new treatments for any condition. Only through testing these therapies in individuals with MS can researchers discover what will impact the disease process and its symptoms, as well as vital details about safety and potential adverse events. People interested in this process are given the opportunity to play a role in this important research. Additionally, participants are typically given a new experimental medication or treatment regimen that they would not otherwise have access to receiving, and this may benefit someone whose treatment options are limited. MSAA encourages people who are interested in getting more information about clinical trials to visit MSAA’s website and accessing the clinical trials search tool, powered by Antidote, to explore clinical trials that may be appropriate for them.