ParadigMS is an independent and non-profit international group of Multiple Sclerosis experts dedicated to improving Multiple Sclerosis patient care by translating state-of-the- art science into practical education at local level.
PROGRAM
STORYLINE
Microglia are a class of innate immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). In the space of just a few years they have become a major focus of attention in multiple sclerosis (MS) research and as a therapeutic target to prevent disability progression in persons with MS.
In this 90-minute symposium presented by experts from ParadigMS, an overview will be given by Prof. Laura Airas of the critical functions of microglia in the healthy brain, and how aberrant microglial activity can result in neural damage underlying the MS pathology. Prof. Celia Oreja-Guevara will then discuss the relevance of microglia as a potential therapeutic target. In this way, re-establishing a homeostatic-like microglial phenotype is a major therapeutic goal, with several Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors currently in clinical development to achieve this aim. By bringing the aberrant microglial activity under control, it may be possible to prevent neuronal damage, axonal transection, demyelination, and synaptopathy. Prof. Carlo Pozzilli will discuss the role of microglia in propagating gradual cognitive decline, and how cognition could serve as a marker of disease progression. If new therapies in clinical development can exert their effects within the CNS, then improved disability and cognitive outcomes could become a clinical reality.
FACULTY
Prof. Bassem I. Yamout
Neurology Institute Director
Harley Street Medical Centre
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Prof. Celia Oreja-Guevara
Vice Chair of Neurology
University Hospital San Carlos
Madrid, Spain
Prof. Laura Airas
Associate Professor of Neurology
University of Turku
Turku, Finland
Prof. Carlo Pozzilli
Professor of Clinical Neurology
University La Sapienza
Rome, Italy
WHAT ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS SYMPOSIUM?
Throughout this Symposium you will learn more about:
- The basics of Microglia and its role in MS.
- How to detect Microglia by using advanced imaging techniques such as MRI, OCT, PET and biomarkers such as neurofilaments.
- The importance of assessing cognitive performance in people with MS and the relationship between cognitive decline and prognosis and treatment in people with MS.
TARGET AUDIENCE
- Specialists
- Neurologists
- Practitioners
- Researchers in the field of MS
With thanks to our sponsor, who supports this event without any involvement in the elaboration of the presentations.
Merck Global Medical Education & Academic Organization Relations
Access the Merck knowledge forum at http://academe-ms.com/