ECTRIMS 2025: A ‘new era’ for diagnosis and treatment
MS congress begins with focus on advances in understanding disease
The 41st Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), the world’s largest congress dedicated to multiple sclerosis (MS) research and care, kicks off today in Barcelona.
About 9,000 scientists, clinicians, industry leaders, and patient advocates from more than 100 countries are expected to join the three-day event, taking place Sept. 24–26.
This year’s theme, “A New Era of Precision,” reflects advances in early and accurate diagnosis of MS and related disorders, as well as developments that may soon enable every stage of MS to be successfully treated. Researchers are also focusing on disease triggers to help them understand the origins and progression of MS.
Posters, presentations, exhibits
“Fast and accurate diagnosis can be life-changing for patients,” the organization says on the congress’s website. “It means faster intervention, better outcomes, and renewed hope for those affected by MS and related conditions. ECTRIMS 2025 marks the start of this new era, one where we can offer a truly individualised approach to treatment, for every patient, of every age, in every region.”
The congress will feature more than 1,800 poster presentations and more than 150 oral presentations across scientific sessions.
This poster welcomes participants to ECTRIMS 2025, being held in Barcelona through Friday. (Photo by Kellie Benn)
Because ECTRIMS 2025 is being held in conjunction with the 30th Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis Congress, the scientific program will include a dedicated track for rehabilitation topics and a Rehabilitation Village in the exhibition area.
Multiple Sclerosis News Today has a team on site providing breaking coverage of scientific advances, patient perspectives, and expert interviews.
All coverage from the meeting will be available here and on Multiple Sclerosis News Today’s social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and Instagram.
The congress opens with a keynote lecture by Maria Pia Amato, MD, a professor at the University of Florence, exploring how the understanding of cognitive function in MS has evolved over time and how it shapes patient care.
Other program highlights include a presentation by Burkhard Becher, PhD, a professor at the University of Zurich, who will discuss how immune cells contribute to MS once they reach the brain and spinal cord. Another highlight is a scientific session co-led by Daniel Ontaneda, MD, PhD, a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic, focusing on personalized treatment strategies for MS and related disorders.
“We understand that there are some things that can be tailored to an individual patient, which will allow us to better treat individuals with multiple sclerosis,” Ontaneda said in a video announcing the session.
Sessions will cover topics ranging from immune cell biology, genetics, and imaging advances to rehabilitation, patient well-being, and innovative trial design. The program also features meet-the-expert sessions, specialized sessions for nurses, and educational sessions.
The congress will close with the Charcot Lecture, delivered by Ludwig Kappos, MD, a professor at the University of Basel. Kappos — this year’s recipient of the Charcot Award, the highest international recognition for lifetime achievement in MS research — will share insights from his work.
All sessions will be available via livestream for registered participants.
ECTRIMS held a Pre-Day event ahead of the congress, dedicated to topics such as pediatric MS and other autoimmune diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord. The last day will feature a Patient Community Day, an event aiming to bring the latest research directly to people living with MS.
Note: The Multiple Sclerosis News Today team is providing live coverage of the 41st Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Sept. 24-26. Go here to see the latest stories from the conference.
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