ACTRIMS 2018 Forum in San Diego to Showcase Latest Multiple Sclerosis Research

The Americas Committee for the Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) says its third annual ACTRIMS Forum will take place Feb. 1-3, 2018, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California.

These forums bolster the ACTRIMS mission, which is to foster the careers of young researchers interested in MS by promoting mentor relationships with senior scientists, and giving promising investigators a chance to present their early research findings.

ACTRIMS 2017  was a record-breaking year with over 800 people attending. Organizers say 1,000 people will attend this year’s conference.

The 2018 forum’s theme is “Therapeutic Targets in MS: The Frontier and the Future of Disease Modifying Therapy.” These are its goals:

• To critically examine current research on how the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is altered during the formation of MS lesions, and on the mechanisms of actions of current disease-modifying agents that affect the BBB;
• To identify potential new therapeutic targets for blocking the entry of immune cells into the nervous system in MS patients;
• To discuss the role of lymphocyte subsets in MS pathogenesis, as informed by preclinical studies and clinical trials of therapies that target B-cells and/or T-cells;
• To synthesize data on both detrimental and beneficial effects of myeloid cell subsets in MS;
• To review recent studies on the role of astrocytes in MS disease activity and remission;
• To identify discuss remyelination in MS patients by modulating oligodendrocytes and their precursors;
• To provide mentorship to trainees and junior faculty interested in a career in MS research or clinical practice;
• To help disseminate research findings to MS care providers, researchers, news outlets, social media and patient advocacy groups.

On the forum’s agenda is the Kenneth P. Johnson Memorial Lecture; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Barancik Award presentation and talk, and two sessions showcasing young investigator research, featuring some 200 posters. Before the conference itself is a scheduled “Neurology Resident Summit in Multiple Sclerosis,” in which neurologists in training will learn about career paths in clinical and investigative neuroimmunology.

ACTRIMS 2018 also features continuing medical education credits for attendees, as well as participation grants for applicable young investigators.