MS biosamples, ready for research.

Deeply characterized, linked to rich clinical data, and available to researchers worldwide at minimal cost.

Talk with our research team ACP Repository at-a-glance

Close up of lab technician pulling a vial of blood from a storage unit.

What's in the ACP Repository

Research-ready biospecimens and extensive accompanying data from 3,200+ participants, spanning people with MS and related demyelinating conditions and healthy controls.

Multiple biospecimen types

DNA, RNA, CSF, serum, plasma, and cryopreserved PBMCs, with samples well-characterized, quality-controlled, and collected to research-grade standards.

50+ pages of data per sample

Each sample is linked to detailed participant history, demographics, EDSS scores, MRI and CSF summaries, medication history, clinical exam findings, and more. Longitudinal data is also available for a subset of 462 people who provided samples at a second visit.

Industry-grade processing and storage

Collected at 10 major MS centers under a single standardized protocol, ensuring consistency across the entire collection. Maintained by an industry-grade biorepository vendor (Precision).

DNA, RNA, serum, plasma, PaxGene tubes, and cryopreserved PBMCs

A broad range of sample types to support diverse research approaches.

GWAS analysis available on all samples

Every sample includes GWAS analysis. Returned datasets, spanning genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic, immunologic, and SNP array data, grow the collection with every new study.

Multi-omics and biomarker data

Beyond exome and SNP array data, subsets of samples have generated proteomic (including O-Link), transcriptomic (RNA-seq for 2,000+ samples, qPCR), and epigenomic data (including Nanostring miRNA and methylation), along with metabolomic profiling. Additional biomarker data is available for EBV/MSRV status, myelin and CNS markers, serum neurofilament light (sNfL), autoantibodies, T-cell reactivity, and other immune markers.

Need longitudinal or prospective data?

The Repository is primarily cross-sectional, but its data can be linked to REAL MS, ACP's longitudinal patient-reported study through iConquerMS, for a more complete view over time.

Learn more about REAL MS

an abstract image of blue and green paper stacked in a spiral motion

More than a biospecimen. A richer picture of MS.

Repository samples are connected to layers of clinical, genomic, molecular, and participant-reported data—giving researchers more context for every sample.

Data that grows with every study

Researchers using the Repository return generated data to the collection, expanding what’s available for future research and making the resource more valuable over time.

Connect samples with longitudinal experience

For participants also enrolled in iConquerMS, Repository data can be linked with longitudinal, participant-reported REAL-MS data—connecting biology with how MS changes and affects people over time.

Secure, cloud-based access

Repository-associated datasets are available through DNAnexus, allowing approved researchers to work with complex data without needing specialized local computing infrastructure.

Research in action

From early discovery to commercially available diagnostics

The Repository has supported research across academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech organizations, at every stage of the research lifecycle. Research partners include:

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

EBV candidate gene discovery

Regeneron

Whole exome and whole genome sequencing across all Repository samples

Decode Health

RNA research leading to the discovery of non-coding RNAs

Adaptive Biotechnologies

T cell receptor sequencing

Octave Bioscience is grateful for our long standing and productive partnership with ACP, which enabled the demonstration of proteomic associations with clinically defined relapse status in MS and was crucial in developing the multiple sclerosis disease activity (MSDA) Test.

Octave Bioscience

Guided by scientific expertise

The science behind the Repository doesn't stop at the sample level.

ACP’s Scientific Steering Committee, comprising 11 scientists, clinicians, bioinformaticians, AI experts, and community advocates, helps ensure the Repository remains a high-impact, field-relevant resource. Our in-house scientific team is also available to help you think through your research direction and identify the right resources for your work.

Partner with us

How to access the ACP Repository

The process is straightforward. We'll guide you through every step.

Ready to get started? Tell us about your research

Questions? Get in touch

1. Start a conversation.

Tell us about your research goals and sample needs. We'll schedule a call to learn more, explore how the Repository could support your work, and help you think through early funding needs, including letters of support for grant applications.

2. Build a plan together.

We'll work with you to identify the right biospecimens and data for your study, discuss any prospective collection needs, and develop a project proposal including timeline and cost estimate.

3. Committee review and agreement.

Your proposal will be reviewed by ACP's Scientific Steering Committee to ensure scientific rigor and alignment with ACP's mission. Once approved, we'll execute the necessary agreements, including a material transfer agreement (MTA) or data transfer agreement (DTA).

4. Get to work.

With agreements in place, you'll have access to the biospecimens, data, and DNAnexus platform your research requires. Our team remains available to support you throughout your project.