Greatest Recent Advancements in MS, Looking Toward the Future: Ilya Kister, MD

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"We really have moved [forward]. Our DMTs have moved and are much more efficacious. We’re optimistic that the young patient, the patients who we treat early without disease activity, are going to see much less wheelchair [use] and disability in the long run.”

Ilya Kister, MD, presented several posters at the 37th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), October 13-15, including data from the SYMBOLS study, which looked at wearing-off effect of ocrelizumab (Ocrevus; Genentech), and the design of VIOLA, a prospective study evaluating antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on ocrelizumab as well. Kister, professor of neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, feels as though while the conversation is not fully concluded, the clarity on induction vs escalation has been among the most promising advancements within the space.

For years, clinicians have debated over whether starting with the most efficacious therapies early as possible was the best way to treat patients. Now, there have been more prospective studies, along with positive conversations from within the community, that have reassured that thought. Although it does not hold true to every patient, it is generally the mindset a large group of MS physicians have adopted.

NeurologyLive caught up with Kister during ECTRIMS to get his take on the most promising advancements in recent years and why patients with MS should continue to have hope in the coming years.