RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
The hidden impact of infections on people living with MS
New findings reveal how infections can disrupt daily life, even when they don’t require hospitalization.
Infections can take a significant toll on people living with MS, even when they don’t require hospitalization.
In a new study involving nearly 700 iConquerMS members, ACP researchers found that infections frequently disrupted daily life. Among those who reported an infection, 59% experienced worsening MS symptoms, 72% missed work or school, and 93% faced out-of-pocket costs. Yet only 8% required hospitalization or facility-based care.
Presented at the 2026 ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS meeting, the findings grew out of research shaped by iConquerMS members from the start. Community input helped determine what the study would examine, while nearly 700 participants shared experiences that reveal the often-overlooked impact of infections on daily life.
ACP NEWS
A fresh look for Accelerated Cure Project
We’ve launched a completely redesigned ACP website. With a fresh look, clearer navigation, and updated content, the new site offers a more complete picture of our work to advance MS research.
Start with our new iConquerMS page to see how this community is helping shape research and drive discoveries. You’ll also find stories of research impact, opportunities to get involved, and ways to support ACP’s mission throughout the site.
And if you’re curious about what happens behind the scenes, explore our Researching MS section. Designed for researchers, it offers a look at the breadth of resources we’ve built together with the MS community over the past 25 years—and how we’re putting those resources to work with scientists to accelerate research.
RESEARCH NEWS
New findings: How MS treatments affect COVID-19 vaccine responses
How do different MS treatments affect the body’s response to COVID-19 vaccination? That’s one of the questions ACP set out to investigate through COVER-MS, a study launched during the pandemic to better understand COVID-19 vaccine experiences and immune responses among people living with MS.
Newly published findings show that different MS treatments can affect the immune system’s response to vaccination in different ways. Some treatments were associated with reduced antibody responses, while others affected both antibody production and the activity of immune cells known as T cells. The findings highlight why looking at antibodies alone may not tell the whole story about how the immune system responds to vaccination.
Made possible through blood samples and surveys contributed by iConquerMS participants across the country, the research adds to our understanding of how MS treatments influence vaccine-induced immunity.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
How does physical activity fit into life with MS after 50?
Researchers at Wayne State University are inviting adults ages 50 and older living with MS to participate in a study exploring physical activity habits and the factors that influence them.
Participation involves a 30–45-minute online survey, with a gift card provided upon completion.
Interested in learning more? You can review the study details or contact Benjamin Oles directly at [email protected].
Exploring exercise and MS in Hispanic communities (Houston-area)
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are recruiting Hispanic adults living with MS in the Houston area for VAMOS-MS, a study exploring a culturally tailored exercise program offered in English and Spanish.
Participants will receive one-on-one coaching, complete assessments of movement and thinking, and take part in the study over approximately 8–9 months.
All study activities are conducted remotely, and participants will be compensated for their time.
Learn more and see if you qualify.
Today’s contributions. Tomorrow’s discoveries.
The research featured in this issue shows how contributions from people affected by MS continue to generate new insights. Your gift helps ACP connect people, data, samples, and researchers to make more discoveries possible.