Research History & MS Timeline
The effort to eradicate MS began over a century ago.
1421:
1868:
1999/ 2000:
First documented case of MS; St. Lidwina of Schiedam
First correlation of MS clinical symptoms with central nervous system pathology; disease named "Sclerose en plaques" by Jean Martin Charcot
1969:
Detailed microscopic description made by James First attempts to treat MS with gold chloride, zinc, sulfate, silver nitrate, strychnine and electrical stimulation (by Charcot)
2000:
1943:
First detailed description of the
composition of myelin
1946:
1950:
2001:
National MS Society USA launched.
National Institute of Neurological Diseases founded at National Institutes of Health through the work of the Society.
1954:
First Fellowship programs to train MS Scientists offered.
2002:
1969:
Society co-funds research of steroid ACTH, which becomes the first drug shown to speed recovery from MS relapses.
2003:
1974:
Society convinces U.S. Congress to appoint commission on MS; resulting report increases federal funding for MS research.
1981:
First MRI pictures of a brain affected by MS are produced, revolutionizing MS diagnosis.
TODAY:
Scientists around the world continue to draw ever closer to understanding and unraveling the mysteries of the disease. One of these great minds is hard at work in Kannapolis, NC on the North Carolina Research Campus. Dr. Simon Gregory and his team continue to advance their work due in part to support from the National MS Society and donors like Mr. Herman Stone.
1992:
Society supports first comprehensive search for genes that make people susceptible to MS, initiating targeted research program in MS genetics.
2006:
1993:
Betaseron approved by FDA for relapsing-remitting MS, becoming first drug approved that effects underlying disease.
2007:
1996:
Avonex and Copaxone approved for relapsing-remitting MS.
1997:
Zanaflex for treatment of spasticity approved.
NMSS initiates new clinical trials in estrogen treatment for women with
MS, in T-cell vaccination; and in antibiotic treatment targeting Chlamydia pneumonia bacteria, all of which had their origins in early fundamental NMSS research.
Society initiates international collaborative research effort to better correlate the MS lesion with disease state and MRI: the MS Lesion Project
Novantrone approved in U.S. for worsening forms of MS.
The Society collaborates with the NIH on a $20-million dollar initiative to fund research on gender-based differences in immune responses to increase understanding and treatment of immune-based diseases such as MS.
Rebif approved in U.S. to treat relapsing-remitting MS, making 5 drugs available for treating major forms of MS.
Avonex approved for clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of MS.
Betaseron approved to treat “relapsing forms of MS,” including individuals with secondary-progressive MS who experience relapses, or acute attacks.
Italian researchers transplant cells to repair nerve tissue damage in mice
with MS.
Tysabri approved in U.S. for treating
relapsing MS.
Society launches fellowship program for training in rehabilitation research.
First large-scale trial of sex hormone estriol gets underway in women with MS, a result of the Society’s targeting of gender differences.
Two genes linked to susceptibility to MS; researcher believe many more
will be uncovered.
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