The Bella Center in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, Denmark is brimming with life as Day 1 of the ECTRIMS Congress unfolds.
What is ECTRIMS?
ECTRIMS stands for the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. This organization works with researchers and health professionals to carry out the mission of promoting and enhancing research in MS that will ultimately benefit people affected by the disease. Members of ECTRIMS and affiliated organizations meet annually to participate in interactive discussions, knowledge exchange, and idea collaboration in an effort to push forward the MS research agenda.
Why are we here today?
This year marks the 29th year of the ECTRIMS Congress, which is expected to attract a record-breaking 7,500 participants making it the world’s premier conference on science, research and management of multiple sclerosis. The weeklong event will feature:
- Over 1,000 scientific presentations that will take place over 4 days
- Presentations of first results from major clinical trials
- Poster sessions, during which researchers will present their data on poster displays for others to ask questions or learn about different research methods
- An exhibition during which over 30 pharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations will be present to answer questions and present new information on therapies
With all the activities planned for the week it’s no wonder this meeting is the considered the largest MS conference in the world! My colleagues from the MS Society and I are excited to hear about the latest in MS research and disease management. This year the topics include: genetic and gender influences on MS, the mechanism of inflammation and tissue damage, remyelination or the rebuilding of myelin, imaging which enables us to see inside the brain, cognition, progressive MS, and evaluation of MS treatment. We will be sure to report what we hear and see throughout the week on the blog and through Twitter. Stay tuned!