Multiple Sclerosis Conference to Explore Emerging Diagnostics and Treatments

NEW YORK, June 15, 2016 — On June 28, the New York Academy of Sciences will host the conference Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnostic and Treatment Frontiers to explore novel and emerging treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), a degenerative neurological disease that is known for both its prevalence and disabling effects.

Plenary sessions will bring together academic and clinical researchers with industry leaders to discuss:

• current therapeutics,
• diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers,
• MRI usage in diagnosis and monitoring, and
• novel and emerging treatments.

The morning keynote address by Barry Arnason, MD, James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond Professor of Neurology, University of Chicago, will focus on "Unmet Treatment Needs across the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disease Spectrum."

"The major unmet need for multiple sclerosis treatment for progressive course is the necessity to understand the pathophysiology mechanism underlining the degenerative phase of the disease, which are probably multiple, including mitochondrial dysfunction, persisting demyelination, ionic channels abnormalities, and microglial activation," says keynote speaker Professor Giancarlo Comi, Director, Department of Neurology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

The identification of biomarkers associated with MS is one such avenue for better understanding disease pathology. Experts will also discuss the need for technological advancements that can help translate disease data into personalized treatment protocols that help to slow disease progression.

The conference will wrap up with a panel discussion titled, "What the Future Holds: New Strategies, Perspectives, and Resolving Misconceptions," featuring panelists from the day's presentations.

For media inquiries, including requests for press passes, contact Diana Friedman (+1-212-298-8645 or dfriedman@nyas.org).

Conference Support

This conference is supported by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

About The New York Academy of Sciences

The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science, technology, and society worldwide. With more than 20,000 members in 100 countries around the world, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. The Academy's core mission is to advance scientific knowledge, positively impact the major global challenges of society with science-based solutions, and increase the number of scientifically informed individuals in society at large. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.