Multiple sclerosis

The Scientific Panel on Multiple sclerosis is dedicated to coordinate research and treatment guidelines for demyelinating diseases within the neurological societies in Europe. The Scientific Panel has a close collaboration with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), as reflected by co-positions of some members in the ECTRIMS board. In addition the panel is in contact with the ENS panel to facilitate future joined activities.

During the last years the panel produced several guidelines:
1. Guidelines on the use of anti-interferon-beta antibody measurements in multiple sclerosis
2. Guidelines for treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses
The guidelines were published in the European Journal of Neurology in 2005 and constituted chapters in the Handbook of Neurological Management published in 2006.

Current task forces

Together with the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) the Subspecialty Scientific Panel has established a task force on guidelines for the use of immunomodulatory therapy in multiple sclerosis.

The Subspecialty Scientific Panel has planned to form a working group for producing a paper on the access for neurologists in all European countries to prescribe all approved immunomodulatory drugs. Ron Milo was appointed leader of this working group.

Future work of the panel will address a consensus for safety considerations for MS therapy with monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the issue of neutralizing antibodies against natalizumab will be addressed under the leadership of Prof Sorensen. Finally an update on the use of modern oral therapies for treatment of multiple sclerosis will be prepared.