Researchers have discovered the first genetic marker associated with a faster progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), paving the way for new treatments to be developed for the lifelong condition. The global study of more than 22,000 people with MS involved 70 global institutions led by scientists from the University of Cambridge and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in the US.
The immune system of people with MS attacks their brain and spinal cord, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue and problems with vision, movement, sensation and balance. The degenerative condition can, in some cases, cause disability and reduce life expectancy.
While treatment has been developed to tackle symptoms, none can prevent its progression. Looking at statistics from The International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) and The MultipleMS Consortium, researchers assessed genetic factors influencing MS severity.
