Sept 2026 | A Decade of REAL MS, New Research, and Better Transitions in MS Care
What can we learn from a decade of data on living with MS?
Some questions about MS can only be answered with time
For more than a decade, members of the iConquerMS community have returned again and again to share what’s happening in their lives—their health, symptoms, activity, quality of life and more. Each survey captures a moment. Together, they allow researchers to see something a single survey can’t: how symptoms, treatments, and experiences change over time
Those contributions have become REAL MS, a growing longitudinal research resource that researchers around the world have drawn on to study MS—and continue to use to pursue new questions and discoveries.
Now, more than a decade of data is meeting a new generation of research tools. Two teams in ACP’s new Data Challenge Pilot are already working with REAL MS—and advances in AI, machine learning and other analytical approaches are creating possibilities that didn’t exist when some of this data was first shared.
What might researchers find when they look at a decade of life with MS in entirely new ways?
UPCOMING EVENT
Hear what’s new in MS research—directly from the experts
Friday, October 23 | 3–6 p.m. EDT
Online + Toronto | Free
ACP is proud to be a supporting partner of Patient Community Day, a global event held alongside MSToronto 2026 that brings the latest MS research directly to the community.
Hear from leading researchers, healthcare professionals and people with lived experience about new discoveries, emerging treatments and advances in care—and what they could mean for people affected by MS. Online participants can join from anywhere, with live translation available in more than 50 languages.
Can’t make it live? Register anyway to be notified when replays are available.
NEW RESEARCH
Why does MS affect women and men differently?
A new study led by ACP chief scientific officer Stephanie Buxhoeveden, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, used ACP Repository samples to explore biological differences that may help explain why MS affects women and men differently.
The research team found distinct patterns in microRNAs, tiny molecules that help regulate how genes behave, with different patterns appearing in women and men. The findings raise new questions about how biological sex may influence MS and point to areas for further research.
The study also shows the lasting value of samples contributed to the ACP Repository: a sample given years ago can become part of a new discovery as the questions, and the science, continue to evolve.
PEDIATRIC MS
Making the transition to adult MS care better
Moving from pediatric to adult MS care is more than a change in doctors. It’s a major transition—and there’s surprisingly little guidance built around the experiences and priorities of the young people going through it.
ACP is collaborating with leading MS clinicians and researchers to help change that. Young people, young adults, and parents have shared what they need from the transition to adult care and where they see opportunities to make it better.
Now, those experiences and priorities are helping guide the development of practical tools designed to help smooth the transition from pediatric to adult MS care. Stay tuned for updates.
Know a young person affected by MS? iConquerMS Kids & Teens gives young people a way to share their experiences and help shape the future of MS research.
Explore iConquerMS Kids & Teens →
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Black and Hispanic caregivers: Your perspective is needed
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is seeking Black and Hispanic caregivers of people living with MS to share their experiences in a virtual one-on-one interview or small group discussion.
The conversations will explore how organizations can better connect with and support communities that have historically been underserved. Participants who qualify and take part will be compensated for their time.
Learn more and see if you qualify.
MS Progression Survey:
Help inform MS care and education
ACP and iConquerMS invite you to take part in a short, anonymous survey focused on MS progression. This survey was developed with input from MS advocacy organizations, including ours, to better understand how people living with MS and care partners think about and experience progression. Your perspective will help inform future MS education and care conversations.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. Take the survey here:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Progression Survey – Fill out form
Your voice is important, and your insights will help shape how MS progression is understood and discussed across the community.
Note: This survey is funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and created by the MS Advisory Council, convened by Novartis. The Novartis MS Advisory Council is made up of Accelerated Cure Project, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, Mr Oscar Monkey, MS Views and News, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and We Are ILL.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
See what you made possible
We recently shared ACP’s 2025 Impact Report, The Speed of Us. If you haven’t had a chance to explore it yet, it brings together the many ways this community moved MS research forward last year—from experiences and samples shared for research to new discoveries, collaborations and more.
PEOPLE AT ACP
New leadership, new voices: A new chapter for ACP’s board of directors
ACP’s board of directors recently welcomed new leadership, with Pam Saussy stepping into the role of board chair and Catherine Venturini, PhD, and Clint Simpson joining as new members.
Pam joined ACP’s board in 2025 and brings extensive nonprofit leadership and governance experience to the role. She succeeds Patrick Curley, who has served on ACP’s board since 2017 and will remain a board member. We’re grateful to Patrick for his leadership as chair and for his continued commitment to ACP.
We’re also excited to welcome Catherine and Clint as new board members.
Catherine brings extensive experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, spanning clinical operations, development team leadership, and portfolio strategy. Clint brings deep expertise in data, technology, strategy and organizational transformation.
Twenty-five years in, ACP is still growing, evolving and looking ahead—and we’re excited to begin this next chapter together.
JOIN ACP’S BOARD
Bring your MS expertise to ACP
We’re continuing to grow ACP’s board and are currently looking for an MS clinician or researcher to join us.
While we’re especially interested in hearing from MS clinicians and researchers, we welcome interest from strong candidates with other backgrounds and experience that could help advance ACP’s work.
Interested? Know someone who might be a great fit?