THE FUTURE OF PREVENT MS
From Feasibility to Prevention
PREVENT MS is working toward a long-term goal: learning whether it may one day be possible to prevent multiple sclerosis (MS) before it begins. The current feasibility study is an important first step.
Why Start With a Feasibility Study?
Before a future MS prevention study can begin, researchers need to learn whether enough people may be eligible and interested in taking part.
The current PREVENT MS feasibility study is helping researchers answer this question and learn more about adults ages 18–29 who have a parent or sibling with MS.
THE PREVENT MS RESEARCH PATH
Where We Are — and Where the Research May Lead
01 CURRENT STUDY
PREVENT MS Feasibility Study
Adults ages 18–29 with a parent or sibling with MS complete a study questionnaire, have a remote blood draw, and have genetic and EBV antibody testing.
02 LEARNING FROM THE STUDY
Understanding Who May Qualify for Future Research
HLA and EBV test results may help researchers understand how many people could qualify for future PREVENT MS research.
03 POTENTIAL FUTURE STUDY
PREVENT MS EBV Vaccine Study
A future study may test whether preventing EBV infection with a vaccine can help prevent MS in people who have a higher chance of developing MS.
04 LOOKING AHEAD
Future PREVENT MS Research
PREVENT MS may lead to other research focused on understanding MS risk and finding new ways to prevent MS before symptoms begin.
Why Epstein-Barr Virus?
Research suggests that infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may be an important part of how MS develops. This has led researchers to ask whether preventing EBV infection could also help prevent MS.
A future PREVENT MS study may help researchers answer that question by studying an EBV vaccine in people who may have a higher chance of developing MS.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Future Studies Are Separate
No vaccine is given as part of the current PREVENT MS feasibility study.
Taking part in the feasibility study does not mean that you will qualify for or be enrolled in a future study. If you are contacted about future research, you can decide then whether you want to take part.
You Choose Whether We Contact You
As part of the feasibility study, you can choose whether the study team may contact you about the future PREVENT MS vaccine study or other research opportunities. Agreeing to future contact does not mean that you have agreed to join another study.