#USA #Washington #Multiple Sclerosis #National MS Society #Shaping Tomorrow

Shaping Tomorrow Together Initiative

The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has launched an innovative initiative, Shaping Tomorrow Together, aimed at amplifying the voices of those affected by multiple sclerosis. Scheduled for October 29, 2025, this event will host an externally-led patient-focused drug development (EL-PFDD) meeting, allowing patients to share their unique experiences and perspectives on living with MS. The challenges they face and their management strategies will be documented and analyzed, contributing to the future of MS treatment.

Multiple sclerosis is a complex and unpredictable disease impacting the central nervous system. Despite advancements, there remains no cure, and symptoms can vary widely—from severe fatigue and mobility issues to cognitive changes. The daunting reality is that approximately 1 million individuals live with MS in the U.S., underlining the importance of understanding their lived experiences. Through the Shaping Tomorrow Together initiative, the MS Society aspires to create a comprehensive account of how MS affects daily life, enabling researchers and healthcare providers to better address these concerns.

Angela White, an MS Ambassador, conveyed her excitement about the initiative, highlighting the need for direct input from those living with MS: "We understand the symptoms and impacts better than anyone else. Our insights are crucial in shaping treatments that truly resonate with those affected."

The initiative includes a fundamental survey to gather insights from the MS community, running concurrently with the meeting. Collaborating with the Accelerated Cure Project, this survey aims to ensure a diverse range of voices are captured, providing a thorough understanding of the obstacles faced by individuals diagnosed with MS. Insights gathered from this survey will contribute to a Voice of the Patient report, which will be an essential resource for stakeholders involved in drug development and healthcare.

As Bari Talente, Executive Vice President of Advocacy Healthcare Access at the MS Society, states, *"Those living with MS are the true experts in their condition. Our goal is to identify gaps in current therapies and to guide the development of new treatments that address their pressing concerns."

Esteemed organizations, including Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Biogen, and others within the health and biopharmaceutical sectors, are providing support for the Shaping Tomorrow Together initiative, emphasizing their commitment to understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by people with MS.

Getting Involved

Interested participants can engage with the initiative by visiting the official website. Here, individuals are encouraged to complete the survey, register for the upcoming meeting, and learn about ways to support and disseminate information about the project. This initiative not only aims to gather insights but also works toward fostering a community where individuals affected by MS can share, learn, and advocate for better treatment options.

Conclusion

The Shaping Tomorrow Together initiative stands as a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest to empower the MS community. By centering the experiences and needs of those living with the condition, the National MS Society demonstrates a crucial understanding: that real change in treatments will only come from listening directly to those whose lives are impacted by MS every day. In spring 2026, the insights from this initiative are expected to culminate in a report that will significantly influence the future landscape of MS therapies, ensuring that the voices of patients remain at the forefront of drug development efforts.