ECTRIMS 2025 insights for South Africa: Explore updates to the McDonald Criteria, new biomarker research, and why global MS collaboration matters for diagnosis, treatment access, and patient advocacy.
Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) was proud to be represented at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2025, held in Barcelona — the world’s largest MS meeting, attended by more than 9,500 neurologists, researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders from across the globe.
To be part of that international gathering — where every conversation centred on advancing MS care, understanding, and research — was both inspiring and deeply motivating.
🌍 Why ECTRIMS Matters
ECTRIMS is not just a scientific congress; it’s where the future of MS treatment, diagnosis, and patient advocacy takes shape. Each session, from cutting-edge research presentations to lived-experience panels, carries insights that ripple far beyond Europe — reaching communities like ours in South Africa, where access, awareness, and patient support remain critical priorities.
🧭 Key Themes and Learnings
📖 The Revised McDonald Criteria
The McDonald Criteria, the global standard used to diagnose MS, is undergoing revision. These changes aim to make diagnosis both earlier and more precise, reflecting new understanding of disease presentation and imaging. For South Africa, this means renewed focus on ensuring equitable access to MRI scanning and diagnostic expertise, so that these advances can reach every person who needs them.
🧪 Biomarkers on the Horizon
One of the most exciting frontiers discussed was the development of biomarkers — measurable biological indicators in blood or cerebrospinal fluid that can help detect, track, and understand MS activity. Biomarkers could transform care by enabling earlier diagnosis and more tailored treatment decisions, especially in regions where neurologists and advanced imaging are limited resources.
👥 Patient Involvement and Global Collaboration
MSSA also took part in Patient Community Day, a vibrant space where people living with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD shared stories and strategies from around the world. This gathering underscored a growing truth in the MS field: authentic patient voices are no longer optional — they are essential in shaping clinical care, research design, and advocacy agendas.
💬 What This Means for South Africa
The lessons from ECTRIMS resonate strongly with our mission at MSSA. They reaffirm that:
-
Access matters — scientific progress must reach every person living with MS, regardless of geography or income.
-
Early diagnosis saves function — the right diagnostic tools and criteria can prevent years of uncertainty.
-
Patient perspective leads progress — by sharing real experiences, South Africans with MS help shape global understanding.
MSSA will continue to collaborate with international partners, share the latest knowledge, and ensure that South Africa’s MS community remains connected to global innovation.
🙏 With Gratitude
MSSA’s participation at ECTRIMS 2025 was made possible through the generous support of:
-
MSIF — for providing a free registration to attend ECTRIMS.
-
Merck (Pty) Ltd — for covering travel and accommodation costs.
Their support ensured that the voices and experiences of people with MS in South Africa were heard on the world’s biggest stage for MS research and advocacy.
Together, we are ensuring that no one faces MS alone — and that South Africa continues to be part of the global conversation shaping the future of multiple sclerosis care.
Team MS South Africa