Fabienne Brilot

Fabienne Brilot is Professor of Neuroimmunology and Principal Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, Australia. Her research focuses on immune-mediated brain disorders such demyelinating disorders, such as Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-associated Disease (MOGAD) and autoimmune neurological diseases. Her group aims to discover biomarkers and explores the autoimmune response in patients to improve their diagnosis and treatment. 

She has published 134 publications that have been cited 11977 (Google Scholar), and her H index is 56.

Abstract of Lecture:

Mentorship and sponsorship are key components of a successful academic career. However, accessibility to mentorship schemes varies. If available, questions remain on how mentorship really works and whether the substantial investment in time will lead or not to tangible benefits. 

In this lecture, different strategies to enrich academic careers and to maximize opportunities and benefits of mentorship will be discussed.

Helmut Butzkueven

Professor Helmut Butzkueven is a neurologist clinician-scientist, registry leader, translational researcher, and institutional leader. He is the Director of Neurology at Alfred Health (a 2024 Top 100 Global Hospital), and the van Cleef Roet Professor and Head of the Department of Neuroscience at Monash University's School of Translational Medicine. He holds an NHMRC L1 Investigator Grant and is ranked as the number one MS researcher in Australia and in the global top 40 (Expertscape). With 426 peer-reviewed publications and over 28,800 citations (H-index 76), he has made significant contributions to MS and Neuro-immunology research and treatment globally.

He is the co- founder and Managing Director of MSBase, the world's largest international MS registry. For 24 years, his leadership has facilitated research access to this essential platform containing over 125,000 structured patient records from more than 200 centres across 50 countries, and more than 30,000 quantitatively analysed brain MRI scans through the MSBase Imaging Repository.

My area of greatest research interest is registry outcomes research to optimise safety and effectiveness for disease modifying treatments. I am also interested in active and passive patient self-monitoring tools of neurological function in MS.

Number of peer-reviewed publications : 427

Abstract of Lecture:

Populations in many of the PACTRIMS region nations are ageing rapidly. For the MS clinician, this means there are an increasing number of older people requiring expert care. Trial data in older people is very sparse, because MS trials exclude patients over the age of 55. Older people are much more vulnerable to infections such as pneumonia (3-fold increase over 65), urinary tract infections (20-fold increase over 65), herpes zoster re-activation, and skin cancers. They are therefore much more vulnerable to infective and malignant complications of immune-suppressive treatments for MS. Immunisation affords significant protection from many infections, but immunisation rates in older people are often low. In general, we also see lower relapse rates, lower new MRI lesion accumulation and more progressive MS in older compared to younger MS patients. Therefore, treatment de-escalation and, in some cases, discontinuation are options that require careful risk-benefit evaluation. New international guidelines for these scenarios suggest we should consider de-escalation in stable MS patients over the age of 60. De-escalation or discontinuation strategies differ for anti-CD20 drugs versus anti-trafficking drugs such as fingolimod and natalizumab, because sudden stop carries the risk of severe rebound relapse for the latter. A proposed algorithm will be presented.

Dr Carlos Camara-Lemarroy

Dr. Carlos Camara completed his internal medicine and neurology residencies at the UANL University Hospital in Monterrey, Mexico. He subsequently completed a two-year clinical and research MS and Neuroimmunology fellowship at the University of Calgary. He is an associate professor of Neurology and Staff at the University of Calgary MS Clinic. His current research interests include the gut-brain axis, biomarkers and neuroprotection in MS and neuroinflammatory disorders of the CNS. The main focus of this work is translational, where basic neuroscience research is developed into clinical applications and novel therapies for MS and related disorders.

116 publications, H-index 29

Abstract of Lecture:

MS is thought of as a spectrum consisting of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. The contribution of each of these biological pathways to disability accumulation (DA) is complex. PIRA is a heterogeneous term proposed to indicate the presence of DA in RRMS in the absence of "overt" neuroinflammation, clinically manifesting as relapses. Defined as such, PIRA may be associated with DA more often that clinical relapses. In turn, PIRA is suggested to reflect neurodegenerative processes in RRMS. However, PIRA is a construct of arbitrary timelines and ignores MRI activity indicative of focal neuroinflammation, and can be defined as broadly or narrowly as it is convenient. PIRA thus appears to depend on "word games" instead of a thorough biological basis. Nonetheless, the final frontier in MS phenotyping is achieving a biological based definition of disease, as in the fields of Alzheimer´s or Parkinson´s, and this is highlighted in upcoming revisions of the MS diagnostic criteria. In this talk, the challenges in defining PIRA in a biologically meaningful way are discussed. A proposal for a shift towards clinical-centric and patient-relevant definitions is advanced. Finally, the impact of these issues to MS therapeutic research is highlighted.

Foong Yi Chao

Dr. Foong Yi Chao is the head of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroimmunology at the Tasmanian Health Service and a postdoctoral fellow at the MS research flagship, Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania. His current research focuses on digital biomarkers and improving outcomes for elderly people with MS using registry data. 

Abstract of Lecture:

Over half of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are now aged ≥50. In this cohort, inflammatory activity is reduced, but disability progression remains common. Comorbidities and risk of adverse events further influence the risk-benefit ratio of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use. Drawing on recent clinical trial findings and large-scale observational data, including analyses from the MSBase registry, this lecture will explore the evolving evidence on DMT use in older pwMS. We will address which patients may still benefit from high-efficacy therapies and when to consider de-escalation or discontinuation.

Osamu Kagawa

Drawing from over 14 years of overseas business experience, particularly in Asia, Mr. Kagawa possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics and regulatory frameworks. During his long-term assignment in Taiwan, he successfully led the launch of multiple products and managed pricing negotiations, contributing to continuous business growth. He now applies this extensive background as a Business Leader at Chugai's headquarters, where he is responsible for the global oversight of the innovative product, Enspryng.</span >

In his role as Chair of the JPMA International Affairs Asia Committee, he leads advocacy efforts aimed at promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and financial sustainability across Asian countries. His work focuses on fostering a collaborative environment through policy dialogues with Japanese government bodies and Asian authorities to promote innovative funding models and the strategic use of private health insurance. He also leads industry activities in countries such as India, China, S.Korea, Taiwan and ASEAN region, holding bilateral meetings to address specific, pressing market access issues. By resolving these market access issues, the ultimate goal is to ensure that innovative medicines reach patients across the region.</span >

Abstract of Lecture:

The increasing introduction of innovative medicines presents a significant opportunity to transform patient care, yet it also poses a considerable challenge to the sustainability of healthcare systems across Asia. Many of these groundbreaking therapies are high-cost, necessitating careful consideration of financing and reimbursement models. This presentation will delve into the current trends in public and private insurance, highlighting successful strategies and policy solutions for improving patient access to these crucial treatments. Drawing on insights from various Asian countries, we will explore the complementary role of private health insurance, innovative funding models such as Taiwan's Cancer Drugs Fund (TCDF), and the use of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) frameworks to manage financial risks without overly restricting budgets. 

While addressing the broader context of innovative medicines, we will focus on the specific needs of patients with rare and intractable diseases, such as Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). We'll use insights from NMOSD patients to draw lessons applicable to other complex conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The presentation will emphasize the critical need for robust coverage mechanisms for these diverse patient groups, fostering high-level policy discussions to ensure innovative treatments are accessible across the region.

Tomas Kalincik

Professor Tomas Kalincik is Dame Kate Campbell Professorial Fellow, the director of the Neuroimmunology Centre at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the head of the Clinical Outcomes Research (CORe) Unit at the University of Melbourne. 

Together with his research group, CORe, Tomas specialises in analytics of observational data in neurology. He has led a number of international collaborative research initiatives - including studies of comparative effectiveness of MS therapies, management of treatment failure and individual treatment response. He has published more than 250 articles in peer-reviewed journals, including JAMA, Lancet Neurology, Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, and Brain. His main research interests span treatment outcomes in MS and other neuroimmunological diseases, personalised therapy, prognostics (including emerging immunological biomarkers), causal inference, epidemiology and harnessing emerging knowledge about pathogenesis of neuroimmunological conditions to guide individual treatment decisions. He has led development of designs and instruments for analysis of observational data, including operationalised definitions of secondary progressive MS, confirmed disability worsening and progression independent from relapse activity. He worked with the MS International Federation and WHO on scoping the first WHO Essential Medicines List for MS. He is an NHMRC Leadership 2 Fellow, former chair of the Scientific Leadership Group of the global MSBase registry, and collaborates with multiple national MS registries. Tomas co-chairs the scientific committee of the MS Australia Progress in MS Research conference, and convenes teaching courses and preceptorships for neurologists, researchers and nurses at the RMH Neuroimmunology Centre.

Abstract of Lecture:

It is increasingly recognised that progression of disability may occur independently from relapses at any stage of multiple sclerosis and, in fact, of other neuroimmunoloical diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica. Furthermore, progression independent from relapse activity may manifest not only with clinically overt but also with subtle changes of patients' neurological status. This presentation will discuss clinical and biological aspects of progression in multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological disorders of the central nervous system.

Ki Hoon Kim

Dr. Ki Hoon Kim is a neurologist and Clinical staff at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. He earned his medical degree from Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, where he also completed his neurology residency and clinical fellowship in a neuromuscular and neuroimmunology section. He subsequently served as a fellow and clinical staff member in a neuroimmunology section at the National Cancer Center of Korea.

Dr. Kim’s primary research interests focus on autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and MOG-IgG-associated disease. His work centers on understanding clinical manifestations, optimizing treatment strategies, and identifying biomarkers to advance patient care.

Abstract of Lecture:

As the global population ages, managing elderly patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has become a critical challenge in real-world clinical practice. Older patients exhibit greater disability, higher burdens of comorbidity, and increased susceptibility to treatment-related complications. Despite these concerns, effective relapse prevention remains essential to avoid irreversible disability accumulation in this vulnerable population.

This lecture will focus on evidence-based treatment strategies for elderly NMOSD. Practical considerations regarding acute treatment, application of long-term immunosuppressive therapy, and risk mitigation strategy will be discussed, including how to balance efficacy with safety. Also, the importance of individualized treatment planning, close monitoring for adverse effects, and thoughtful adjustment of therapy over time will be emphasized.

With this session, attendees will gain insights to support therapeutic decision-making and optimize better outcomes in older patients with NMOSD.

Su-Hyun Kim

Dr. Su-Hyun Kim is a neurologist at the Department of Neurology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea, where she has worked since 2017, following her role as a visiting doctor in the same department from 2013 to 2016.

She obtained her medical degree in 2004 and completed her neurology residency in 2009 at Gil Medical Center, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, where she also earned a master’s degree. From 2009 to 2013, she undertook fellowships in neuromuscular disorders at Seoul National University Hospital and in neurology at the National Cancer Center. She received her doctorate from Gachon University of Medicine and Science in 2017.

Dr. Kim has received several honors for young investigators, including the Hang-Sul Award and the 5th LG Future Medical Scientist Award in 2013. Her research focuses on multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as a major neurological complication in cancer patients, and she has published extensively in these fields

Abstract of Lecture:

Biomarkers hold the promise of transforming NMOSD care by improving differential diagnosis, refining disease monitoring, and guiding personalized treatment strategies. Recent research has increasingly focused on blood-based biomarkers that are both accessible and clinically meaningful. Among them, serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) and neurofilament light chain (sNfL) provide complementary insights into NMOSD pathology. sGFAP, reflecting acute astrocytic injury, rises rapidly within one week of attack onset, whereas sNfL, a marker of axonal injury, increases more gradually and correlates with attack severity and recovery potential. A recent multicenter study has further refined optimal sampling windows and proposed z-score–based thresholds to enhance diagnostic accuracy across diverse populations. In addition, complement proteins and cytokines such as IL-6 not only support differential diagnosis but also deepen understanding of disease mechanisms, providing the rationale for the development of targeted therapies, including complement and IL-6 pathway blockade. Despite these advances, key limitations hinder clinical application, including the need for optimal sampling windows, standardized protocols for serial sampling, and the absence of biomarkers robust enough for individual-level decision making. Future directions include establishing standardized frameworks, implementing longitudinal monitoring, and developing composite biomarker approaches to better support personalized care.

Prof Dr med Dr phil Jens Kuhle

Jens Kuhle obtained his MD in Tübingen, Germany and specialised in neurology and neuroimmunology at the University Hospital Basel. 

After his PhD in Neuroimmunology at Queen Mary University in London (2012-2014) in the laboratory of Gavin Giovannoni, he returned to Basel as research group leader in the Clinical Neuroimmunology unit in the Department of Clinical Research and Biomedicine, and became Deputy Head of Outpatient Clinic and MS Centre, University Hospital Basel.

Since 2018 he is Associate Professor and Head of Multiple Sclerosis Center and was appointed as Head of the Neuroimmunology Unit in 2021. Since 2025 he is a full professor at the University Hospital and University of Basel.

His research work in the field of translational medicine focuses on the development of fluid biomarkers, e.g. neurofilament light chain (NfL) in MS, and other neurological disease, establishing NfL as the first blood-based biofluid marker validated for use in personalised medicine.

He is the initiator and Principal Investigator of the Swiss MS Cohort (SMSC) that has developed since its foundation in 2012 to one of the largest biobanks and clinical and imaging information resources worldwide with now more than 2000 patients followed longitudinally. The SMSC serves as a platform for biomarker discovery and development, clinical outcome research and pragmatic trailing in MS in national and international research projects.

Jens' research is supported by the Swiss National science foundation, the Swiss MS Society and the International Progressive MS Alliance; he authored more than 450 scientific publications and has been named as 'Highly Cited Researcher' in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Abstract of Lecture:

Fluid biomarkers are reshaping MS monitoring, with serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) now entering clinical use as a marker of neuroaxonal injury and treatment response. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) shows promise as an indicator of disease progression, particularly PIRA. However, fully phenotyping MS from blood remains challenging. Insights from large cohorts such as the Swiss MS Cohort Study (SMSC) have enabled more refined interpretation using reference models and longitudinal tracking. This talk will explore the current status and limitations of sNfL and sGFAP, and discuss how fluid biomarkers may support more personalized care in MS.

Dr Tapas Kumar Banerjee

Dr. Tapas Kumar Banerjee, MD, FRCP (London), FRCP (Edin), FAAN, FIAN is currently the Clinical Director & Senior Consultant Neurologist. Peerless Neurosciences Centre, Kolkata, INDIA. He was Registrar in Neurology, Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre, UK (1989-90), Senior Registrar in Clinical Neurophysiology, Wessex Neurological Centre, UK (1990-92) and Clinical Staff Fellow in Neurology, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, USA from 1992 till 94.

His areas of research include multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy and neuroepidemiology. He has one hundred and eleven publications in leading peer-reviewed international journals. He was conferred the “Mother Teresa Ratna 2021” by the Award Committee of All-India Minorities and Weaker Section Council.

Abstract of Lecture:

A large number of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) do exist now for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). But people of low-income countries and uninsured people of high-income nations do not have access to all the DMTs, either due to non-availability or due to non-affordability. The “Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF)” in collaboration with Cochrane MS group and McMaster GRADE centre aimed to develop recommendations on minimum essential DMTs that should be made available in all low-resource settings. By applying GRADEpro tool, careful review of all published randomized controlled trial data was used to determine the risk-benefit, cost-effectiveness, equity, feasibility, availability and acceptability of each and every DMT. Based upon these parameters, the recommended drugs include interferon beta, glatiramer, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, ocrelizumab, rituximab and cladribine. Where none of the above drugs are available, azathioprine or methotrexate may be considered. Incidentally, natalizumab and alemtuzumab are very effective DMTs for relapsing MS and siponimod for progressive MS, but feasibility issues make these drugs less suitable in low resource settings.

Maria Isabel da Silva Leite

M Isabel Leite graduated in Medicine from the University of Porto, Portugal, and gained her DPhil at the University of Oxford in 2008. Since then, she has developed her clinical and research career on Autoimmune Neurology, within the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences. While her clinical expertise, research interest and educational activities are broad and cover autoimmune diseases of central and peripheral nervous system, her main focus is on autoimmune disorders of the neuromuscular junction, in particular myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, including those associated with malignancy (e.g. thymoma and lung cancer) as well as associated with immunotherapies. She is principal investigator in several research projects and has been awarded research grants, including from Myaware and Muscular Dystrophy UK. She was made Associate Professor of Neurology in 2019.

Abstract of Lecture:

Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) are immune-mediated neurological conditions that often affect women of reproductive age. Those conditions may present challenges for pregnancy and peripartum management, including those directly related to the mother or their pregnancy, their newborn and the neurological disease. They are all marked by relapses or attacks, which may occur during pregnancy (rarely) and increase in frequency postpartum.

Standard immunosuppressants and corticosteroids have been used cautiously in women of child-bearing age and especially during pregnancy and postpartum. The recent development and use of novel monoclonal antibodies (MABs) has transformed treatment approaches. Antibodies (abs), including physiological, pathogenic and therapeutic, can cross the placental barrier. MABs may be used during pregnancy depending on the disease, the specific drug, and disease activity and severity. Some treatments including all MABs are compatible with breastfeeding.

Further studies are required to help establish benefits/risks of specific treatments during pregnancy and long-term effects of pregnancy-related disease activity and therapy on newborn. Up-to-date information on this topic should be disseminated and shared with wider neurology, neuroimmunology, obstetric and paediatric communities. Health care professionals are encouraged to shared decision-making with patients.

Dr. Jennifer Massey MBBS (Hon) FRACP PhD

Dr. Jennifer Massey is a leading expert in neurology, serving as a Staff Specialist Neurologist at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, with a particular focus on multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroimmunological diseases. 

After graduating with honours from the University of Western Australia in 2009, Dr. Massey completed her neurology specialty training in 2018 and obtained her PhD in 2021, concentrating on immune reconstitution therapies, including autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for MS. Currently, Dr. Massey leads a translational research program investigating the immunopathogenesis of MS, with an emphasis on the role of viral drivers such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Her innovative work includes extensive laboratory-based research in deep immunophenotyping and the application of advanced cellular therapies like CAR-T cells. As a Senior Lecturer at UNSW's School of Clinical Medicine, she is dedicated to medical education.

Dr. Massey has received grant funding from MS Australia and the NHMRC. She remains actively involved in various clinical trials and research initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes in MS. She has attended national and international conferences, where she presents her findings on immune reconstitution therapies and the complexities of MS treatment.

Passionate about patient care, Dr. Massey integrates her clinical practice with her research, pushing for innovative solutions to enhance the lives of individuals with MS.

Abstract of Lecture:

This lecture will review the evolving understanding of the immunopathogenesis of MS. Learnings from immunophenotyping of tissues from individuals with MS will be reviewed. This will be discussed in the context of the MS natural history. The lecture will also discuss what response to treatment can tell us about MS immunology. Finally, novel approaches to understanding the disease will be explored.

Mastura Monif

A/Prof Mastura Monif is a neurologist and neuroimmunologist with a laboratory-based PhD in neuroinflammation. She leads the Neuroimmunology, Neuroinflammation and Neurooncology Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at Monash University and the Neuroimmunology Service at Alfred Health. Her clinical expertise includes multiple sclerosis, autoimmune encephalitis, the neuroimmunology of glioblastoma, and CAR T-cell therapy–related neurotoxicity. Her research focuses on developing and validating biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of neuroinflammatory diseases, with the aim of improving diagnosis, management, and overall patient outcomes. She has authored >115 peer reviewed publications. Her work is highly translational, integrating a bed-to-bench-to-bedside approach to bridge clinical care and discovery science.

Abstract of Lecture:

In this lecture, A/Prof Mastura Monif will discuss the importance of translational research in bridging the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice. Drawing on her dual roles as a neurologist and neuroimmunologist, she will demonstrate how combining clinical work within a hospital setting with laboratory-based research can generate meaningful advances in patient care.

Using autoimmune encephalitis (AE) as a key example, A/Prof Monif will outline how the recruitment of patients and collection of clinical samples at the bedside has informed laboratory investigations and, in turn, led to the establishment of the Australian Autoimmune Encephalitis Consortium (AAEC). This national collaborative body is dedicated to advancing AE research in Australia, and its outcomes are already shaping clinical diagnostic pathways and management strategies.

She will also highlight her team’s work on CAR T-cell therapy–related neurotoxicity, a major challenge in delivering this cutting-edge cancer therapy. By integrating clinical observations with laboratory analysis, her research aims to optimise patient management and identify biomarkers that predict or monitor neurotoxicity.

Together, these examples illustrate how translational, bed-to-bench-to-bedside approaches can accelerate discoveries, improve diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately enhance outcomes for patients with complex neuroimmunological conditions.

Ichiro Nakashima

Ichiro Nakashima graduated in Medicine (M.D.) in 1994 and Internal Medicine (Ph.D.) in 1999 at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. Dr. Nakashima holds the position of Professor of Neurology at Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University and is President of the Japanese Society of Neuroimmunology, Board-Certified Member of the Japanese Society of Neurology and the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine as well as a Councilor of the Japanese Society of Neurology, and the Japanese Society of Neuro Therapeutics. Dr. Nakashima’s publications cover neuroimmunological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, and his major research projects cover areas like significance of oligoclonal IgG bands and roles of B cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. Dr. Nakashima has published more than 320 peer-reviewed articles, and the current h-index is 71. 

Abstract of Lecture:

Monitoring treatment efficacy and safety is essential for optimizing the management of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Advances in disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), including monoclonal antibodies and oral agents, have improved long-term outcomes, but require tailored strategies for ongoing assessment. Clinical monitoring should integrate relapse frequency, disability progression, and patient-reported outcomes with periodic MRI to detect subclinical disease activity. Biomarkers such as serum neurofilament light chain are emerging tools to complement imaging and clinical evaluation. Safety monitoring must be individualized according to the specific mechanism of action and known adverse event profile of each agent. For example, lymphocyte counts and liver function tests are crucial for oral immunomodulators, while infection surveillance and immunoglobulin levels are important for B cell–depleting therapies. Opportunistic infections, including PML, require heightened vigilance, particularly in high-risk patients. In NMOSD, monitoring focuses on preventing relapses through adherence and early detection of breakthrough disease, while managing therapy-specific risks such as hypogammaglobulinemia or neutropenia. This lecture will provide a practical framework for integrating efficacy and safety monitoring into routine care, highlighting recent evidence, case-based scenarios, and strategies to balance disease control with minimizing adverse effects.

Lekha Pandit

Dr Lekha Pandit is a professor of Neurology and Director of Centre for Advanced Neurological Research, at Nitte University, Mangalore, India. </span >

Dr Lekha Pandit is the founder/director of the Mangalore demyelinating disease registry (MANNDIR), dedicated to diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis & related disorders among  resource constrained patients in Southern India. Her research interests include the following -  development of diagnostic live cell based assays, detection of novel biomarkers and the study of genetic, environmental and microbiome associations for MS and NMOSD in India.</span >

Dr Pandit has been a recipient of the Fulbright-Nehru fellowship for academic and professional excellence, is an awardee of the National Academy of Science, India and has authored over 240 publications in peer reviewed journals.</span >

She is the current secretary of the Pan Asian committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (PACTRIMS).</span >

Abstract of Lecture:

Live cell-based assays (LCBA’s), though highly sensitive and specific, are limited in their availability in resource poor settings, for the diagnosis of MOGAD and AQP4-IgG associated NMOSD. Commercially available, imported fixed cell-based assays (FCBA’s) are available in several private laboratories in India. Infrastructure necessary and the technical expertise required have limited the availability of LCBA within the country. At the Mangalore demyelinating disease registry (MANDDIR). The author and her group have developed LCBA assays for detection of both MOG-IgG and AQP4-IgG and compared their efficacy in diagnosis. This talk will refer to these findings and the impact on specific diagnosis and early treatment of MOGAD and NMOSD within this region.

Ziyan Shi

Dr. Ziyan Shi serves in the Department of Neurology at West China Hospital, Sichuan University as an Assistant Investigator and Master's Supervisor. Her primary research focuses on demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system, including Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and MOG Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD). She has published over 50 SCI papers, including 17 as first/corresponding author in journals such as Journal of Neuroinflammation and Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation (N²). 

Abstract of Lecture:

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is an autoantibody-mediated CNS inflammatory demyelinating disease. This presentation will discuss the clinical manifestations and key points of diagnostic assessment of MOGAD in China, drawing from multi-center clinical data and research experience within our population. We will share insights into the disease phenotypes, serological and radiological features observed in Chinese patients, and highlight crucial differential diagnostic points from neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Furthermore, we will explore the strategies employed in Chinese clinical practice for assessing disease relapse and treatment response. The aim is to provide diagnostic and management perspectives from China for the Asia-Pacific region, ultimately contributing to the early, accurate diagnosis and standardized management of MOGAD.

Koji Shinoda

Koji Shinoda is an Assistant Professor at Kyushu University Hospital. He received his M.D. from the School of Medicine at Kyushu University in 2007 and completed the neurology residency program at Kyushu University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals. He obtained a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Medical Sciences at Kyushu University in 2015, and then had post-doctoral researcher training at Kyushu University from 2015 to 2018 and at the University of Pennsylvania from 2018 to 2021. 

His research interests have been in clinical and experimental neuroimmunology, focusing on human immunology and MRI studies of multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, and other central nervous system autoimmunity. 

He is the recipient of several awards, including the MSJ-PACTRIMS Investigator awards from the Pan-Asian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, the Young Neuroimmunologist Award from the Japanese Society of Neuroimmunology, and the Young Investigator Award from the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.

Abstract of Lecture:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system and one of the leading causes of disability in young adults worldwide. The diagnosis of MS can be challenging, as it presents with heterogeneous clinical features that can be mimicked by other diseases, particularly in Asia where differential diagnosis such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease are relatively prevalent. Over the past decade, the advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have enabled the identification of novel MS-specific biomarkers, including central vein sign (CVS), paramagnetic rim lesion (PRL), and cortical lesions (CL). Although each reflecting distinct aspects of pathophysiology, these are specific to MS, and thus it is announced that both CVS and PRL will be incorporated into the 2024 revised McDonald diagnostic criteria for MS. 

In this presentation, I will review the latest evidences on these emerging biomarkers and present our data from the Japanese cohort, highlighting their diagnostic performance and clinical utility. I will discuss how these biomarkers may refine the diagnosis of MS in Asian clinical practice, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis and ultimately better patient outcomes.

Professor Sasitorn Siritho

Dr. Sasitorn Siritho is a senior consultant neurologist at Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, and also practices at the Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Clinic, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok. She currently serves as the Head of the Siriraj Neuroimmunology Center (SiNIC) at Siriraj Hospital and is the President of the Thai MS Society.

Dr. Siritho earned her medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, in 1995. She completed a clinical and research fellowship in stroke at the Austin and Rehabilitation Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia, from 2001 to 2003. In 2005, she was a visiting fellow at the Alzheimer’s Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, USA. She further specialized in neuroimmunology, completing a clinical fellowship in multiple sclerosis at The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada, from 2007 to 2008.

"Her clinical and research interests focus on neuroimmunological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and related conditions. She has served as a peer reviewer for over 100 scientific manuscripts and has published more than 80 articles in leading national and international journals."

Abstract of Lecture:

The 2024 revision of the McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) aims to facilitate earlier diagnosis by incorporating updated imaging markers and fluid biomarkers. While these criteria have been validated largely in Western cohorts, their application in Asian populations presents unique challenges due to differing disease epidemiology and phenotypic overlap with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). The prevalence of NMOSD and MOGAD is significantly higher in Asia compared to Western regions, leading to a greater risk of diagnostic errors if MS criteria are applied without careful exclusion of antibody-mediated disorders. This session will review the potential benefits of the 2024 McDonald criteria in enabling earlier MS diagnosis in Asia, alongside the pitfalls of premature or inaccurate classification. We will discuss regional differences in clinical presentation, MRI patterns, and biomarker availability, as well as the implications of misdiagnosis on long-term management, treatment costs, and patient outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on integrating AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG testing, recognizing atypical features, and establishing context-specific diagnostic pathways to optimize accuracy. The session aims to foster discussion on whether “earlier diagnosis” with the new McDonald criteria in Asia truly translates into better care or risks leading to “earlier misdiagnosis.”

Yoshiki Takai

Dr. Takai is an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology at Tohoku University Hospital and also serves as ward director of the Department of Neurology. He is interested in the pathogenesis of central inflammatory demyelinating diseases and, as a specialist in neuroimmunology and neuropathology, has conducted clinical and neurohistological research on diseases such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and MOGAD, publishing more than 50 papers to date.

Abstract of Lecture:

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a recently established central inflammatory demyelinating disease. The diagnostic criteria proposed by an international panel in 2023 require the detection of conformation–sensitive MOG antibodies (MOG-Ab) for diagnosis, making its measurement the most important diagnostic biomarker. Basically, serum testing is recommended, but there are 3-23% of cases where MOG-Ab are only found in CSF. Furthermore, the presence of selective intrathecal MOG-Ab is known to be associated with clinical phenotypes of ADEM and cortical encephalitis, as well as with disease severity. In such cases, demyelination is observed in the areas in contact with the CSF, suggesting its direct involvement in the pathogenesis. Recent reports have confirmed that immunoglobulins other than IgG (MOG-IgA/IgM) can be detected in some patients with inflammatory demyelinating diseases, suggesting that further consideration is needed when expanding the disease concept of MOGAD. Although other biomarkers besides antibodies have not yet been fully evaluated, serum and CSF analyses have reported differences in complement activity characteristics associated with the severity and prognosis of MOGAD, and comparative results have been obtained from histopathological examinations.

This lecture will provide an overview of the latest findings on MOGAD biomarkers, along with their neuropathological background.

Professor Ching-Piao Tsai

Professor Ching-Piao Tsai is a distinguished neurologist, educator, and leader in the field of clinical neuroscience. He currently serves as Consultant and former Superintendent of the Taipei Beito Health Hospital, and as Professor of Neurology at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming Jiao-Tung University. In addition, he holds a Clinical Professorship at the National Defense Medical School. Previously, he was Section Chief of the Neurological Institute at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

Prof. Tsai earned his MD from China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, and completed his internship and residency before pursuing advanced research training abroad. His international academic journey included fellowships at the University of Sydney, Australia—where he obtained his Master of Medicine degree—the University of Virginia, USA, and Utano National Hospital in Kyoto, Japan.

His primary research interests encompass demyelinating disorders and neuroimmunological diseases. In recognition of his scholarly excellence, he has been awarded the Outstanding Researcher Award of Taiwan’s National Science Council on four occasions. To date, he has contributed over 80 peer-reviewed publications to the global scientific community. He is the former Editor-in-Chief of Acta Neurologica Taiwanica and has served on the editorial and review boards of several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Pediatric Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, and the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Prof. Tsai has held prominent leadership positions in professional organizations, including President of the Asian and Oceanian Association of Neurology and the Taiwan Neurological Society, where he also served as Chief Supervisor and National Delegate. He served on the Boards of Directors for the International Alliance of Motor Neuron Disease and the Orphan Drug Committee of Taiwan’s Department of Health, continuing to advance neurological science and patient care globally.

Abstract of Lecture:

Curiosity serves as the core driver of a clinical academic career focused on MS and NMOSD. It is critical to prioritize unresolved questions in the pathogenesis of these conditions—such as triggers of immune dysregulation and interactions between genetic and environmental factors—while addressing unmet clinical needs, including treatment resistance and mechanisms of disease progression.

Researchers must deepen their expertise in the biology and clinical phenotypes of MS and NMOSD, mastering their immunological, neurobiological, and genetic features. By translating curiosity into hypothesis-driven research, they can bridge bench and bedside, advancing scientific knowledge while enhancing patient care.

Mentorship acts as a key accelerant: learning from senior clinician-scientists helps navigate challenges, while mentoring early-career researchers strengthens one’s own insights and builds an academic legacy. Early, purposeful dissemination of work—through publications and conference presentations—invites valuable critique that refines research direction. Active engagement in global MS and NMOSD networks connects researchers to diverse patient cohorts and innovative ideas.</span >

Dr Shanthi Viswanathan

Currently holds the position of Head of Department of Department of Neurology, Tunku Abdul Rahman Neuroscience Institute (IKTAR), Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. She is the Clinical Lead of the Neuroimmunology Service, Department of Neurology, IKTAR, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. She is the current Vice President, of the Neuroimmunology Council, Malaysian Society of Neurosciences, Malaysia and Ex-Vice President of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences, Malaysia. She is also the Scientific Co-chair of the recently published E-book Consensus Statement on the Management of Multiple sclerosis and the Chair of the Consensus Statement on the Management of NMOSD in Malaysia.

She is the Chair and Founder of The Southeast Asian Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Consortium, SEATPEC a member of the International Society for Apheresis (ISFA) and Co-Chair of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Off Label Treatment Panel (MOLT).  

She is the Current Convenor and Examiner for the MRCP Ireland Post graduate Examinations at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and a Member of the Membership Committee, World Federation of Neurology. 

She is on the Board of Directors of the Neuroscience Foundation of Malaysia and a Member of the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia as well as Member of the National Specialist Registration Committee, Malaysia. She has been involved independently and in collaboration with international organizations like MSIF, Cochrane: KnowMS, IWGA, MEMPs, MOLT in international Advocacy for Access to treatment for CNS inflammatory diseases nationally and in her country of origin. Nationally she is part of the My MS Network and My NMOSD Network in Malaysia. 

Research:

Published more than 150 original articles and abstracts, 5 local books including the latest the Consensus Statement on Management of Multiple Sclerosis and upcoming Consensus statement on Management of NMOSD in final preparation”.

Abstract of Lecture:

Öff Label disease modifying treatments (DMT’s) is a general term used to describe DMT’s that have regulatory approval for a wide variety of diseases but are used to treat MS. ^1,2,3 Usually this occurs when MS-indicated (‘on-label’) treatment options are limited due to cost, availability and accessibility. ^1,2,3 The recent inclusion of Rituximab in the WHO Essential medicine’s list in July 2023 is a significant milestone that has provided the opportunity for patients with MS (pwMS) globally to access high efficacy treatments which otherwise would have been difficult to obtain. ^1,2,3

In order to be able to ensure the best possible health outcomes, it is important to explore some the general principles and ethical guidance when prescribing off label DMT’s such as rituximab to pwMS and the .^4,5 This talk will delve into such principles of ethical use of off label treatments, indications for   off label rituximab based on work from the MSIF off label treatment panel in MS and share a number of case vignettes to illustrate these points.

References

^1.Saylor D, Rijke N, McDonell J, et al. Recommendations for essential medicines for multiple sclerosis in low-resource settings. Multiple Sclerosis Journal. 2025;31(4):464-473. doi:10.1177/13524585241308134</a >

^{2.</sup >Multi-actor system dynamics in access to disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis in Southeast Asia: A regional survey and suggestions for improvement</a >}

S Viswanathan, L Vijayasingham, J Laurson-Doube… - Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 2024

^{3.</sup >Disease-modifying therapies enter the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List: A victory now requiring a roadmap of implementation</a >}

BI Yamout, S Viswanathan, J Laurson-Doube, D Sokhi - Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2024

^{4.</sup >Navigating a paradigm shift in the treatment of CNS demyelinating diseases in a middle-income country</a >}

E Chew, DL Rotstein, S Viswanathan - Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 2025

^5.Laurson-Doube J, Rijke N, Helme A, et al. Ethical use of off-label disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal. 2021;27(9):1403-1410. doi:10.1177/13524585211030207</a >

Dr Zhu Chao

Dr Chao Zhu is a Research Fellow and Senior Biostatistician in the Department of Neuroscience at Monash University and Lead Statistician for the MSBase and MGBase international registries. He has made significant contributions to both statistical methodology and clinical research. He solved a long-standing convergence problem in log-binomial models and developed an R package that has been downloaded over 11,000 times. In clinical research, he applies advanced statistical and machine learning methods to multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroimmunology studies.

His research focuses on treatment strategy evaluation, progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA), digital biomarker development, and prediction modelling. He has published more than 30 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as JAMA Neurology, JNNP, Neurology, and Brain, with several studies informing international clinical guidelines and policy documents.

Dr Zhu has been awarded a $500k Trish MS Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship and a $225k MS Australia Postdoctoral Fellowship, and leads international collaborations under the BigMS framework and with industry partners.

Abstract of Lecture:

Progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is disability worsening that occurs without a preceding relapse. In multiple sclerosis (MS), PIRA has emerged as a key contributor to long-term disability, often signalling progression that continues even when relapse activity is controlled. Similar patterns have been observed in other central nervous system disorders, including neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), although disability accumulation without relapses is very uncommon in this condition.

Our recent MSBase study followed patients after their first PIRA event and separated them into two groups: persistent PIRA, where disability continued to worsen during all available follow-up, and non-persistent PIRA, where disability later improved. Persistent PIRA was strongly linked to a higher risk of reaching EDSS 6 and converting to secondary progressive MS. Non-persistent PIRA was more likely in younger patients, those with lower baseline EDSS, and those receiving high-efficacy therapy at the time of the event.

These findings emphasise the importance of detecting disability progression independent of relapses and acting early to limit its impact. They also suggest that the concept of PIRA could be relevant to other neuroinflammatory diseases beyond MS.

Jen-Hsiang Chuang, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Chuang is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare since September 2025. He earned both of his M.D. and M.S. in Public Health from National Yang-Ming University (NYMU) and received a Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics from Columbia University in 2003. His expertise spans public health surveillance, medical big data analysis, and bioterrorism response. From 2003 to 2005, Dr. Chuang was the jointly appointed associate professor of the Institute of Public Health and the Institute of Health Informatics and Decision Making at NYMU.

In 2005, Dr. Chuang began his career in public health as an associate researcher at Taiwan CDC. In this role, he led initiatives to reform the national infectious disease surveillance system and to recruit and train the staff to develop more advanced skills for analyzing the surveillance data. These initiatives improved Taiwan’s ability to detect and response the emerging infectious diseases. He was promoted to the Deputy Director-General of Taiwan CDC in 2013. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Chuang served as the spokesperson of National Epidemic Command Center to communicate with journalists and share relevant information with the public in a timely manner over three years. And after the COVID 19, he was promoted to the Director-General of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC).

Prof Eleonora Cocco, MD

Prof. Eleonora Cocco, MD, is Full Professor of Neurology at the University of Cagliari; Director of the Residency School in Neurology; and Director of the Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center at Binaghi Hospital (ASL Cagliari), Italy. Her primary clinical and research interests focus on the epidemiology, genetics, and clinical characterization of multiple sclerosis and related neuroinflammatory disorders, with a particular emphasis on high-risk cohorts, gene-environment interactions, viral and microbial drivers, and the Sardinian population. Over her career, she has authored and co-authored 361 peer-reviewed scientific publications in international journals (with over 10,300 citations and an H-index of 50), contributing significantly to precision medicine, disease-modifying therapies, and clinical management in neuroimmunology.

Abstract of Lecture:

Infectious pathogens, environmental exposures, and host genetic susceptibility interact dynamically to drive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and related demyelinating disorders, including Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD). This lecture synthesizes the multi-pathogen landscape through a One Health framework, highlighting how gene-environment interactions and the gut microbiota-brain axis influence disease susceptibility, phenotypic diversity, and long-term Brain Health across populations.

Key viral mechanisms center on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) driving molecular mimicry (EBNA1 cross-reactivity with GlialCAM and Myelin Basic Protein, MBP) and transactivating Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs, specifically pHERV-W env) to engage Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, inducing chronic neuroinflammation and blocking remyelination. Concurrently, bacterial drivers and gut microbiome dysbiosis critically modulate host systemic and central immunity. Notably, Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (ETX) breaches the blood-brain barrier to trigger oligodendrocyte apoptosis, while zoonotic Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) promotes mucosal immune dysregulation and cross-reactive autoimmunity against MBP and IRF5.

Contrasting these pathogenic pathways across MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD highlights distinct pathophysiological signatures and barrier-disruption profiles. Translating these complex host-pathogen interactions into targeted therapeutics, including anti-HERV neutralizations, antivirals, anti-toxin strategies, and microbiome modulations, opens novel avenues for neuroprotection, disease prevention, and personalized therapeutic management.

Adjunct Associate Professor Sasitorn Siritho (MD)

Dr. Siritho is a Senior Consultant Neurologist at Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, and practices at the Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Clinic, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok. She currently serves as Head of the Siriraj Neuroimmunology Center (SiNIC) at Siriraj Hospital; and as President of the Thai MS Society.

Dr. Siritho earned her medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, in 1995. She completed a clinical and research fellowship in stroke at the Austin Health and Rehabilitation Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia, from 2001 to 2003. In 2005, she was a visiting fellow at the Alzheimer’s Center, UCLA Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. She subsequently specialized in neuroimmunology and completed a clinical fellowship in multiple sclerosis at The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada, from 2007 to 2008.

Her clinical and research interests focus on neuroimmunological disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and related conditions. She has authored or co-authored more than 90 Scopus-indexed publications and has served as a peer reviewer for scientific journals.

Abstract of Lecture:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly understood as the result of a complex interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers, with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) emerging as a critical component. Genetic studies have identified hundreds of MS susceptibility variants, with HLA-DRB1*15:01 (HLA-DR15) remaining the strongest individual risk factor. These variants predominantly influence immune pathways involving B and T cells, suggesting that genetic background shapes how the immune system responds to environmental challenges.

Accumulating epidemiological evidence strongly supports a temporal and causal relationship between EBV infection and MS. Longitudinal studies demonstrate that EBV seroconversion precedes MS onset by several years and is associated with a markedly increased risk of developing MS. Mechanistic studies further suggest that HLA-DR15 may alter antiviral immunity, resulting in vigorous but inefficient responses to EBV and persistent immune activation.

Several mechanisms may connect EBV infection to CNS autoimmunity, including molecular mimicry, aberrant antigen presentation, and EBV-driven reprogramming of B cells. EBV-specific immune responses may cross-react with CNS antigens such as myelin basic protein and GlialCAM, potentially initiating or amplifying neuroinflammation.

Together, these findings support a “perfect storm” model in which genetic susceptibility, EBV infection, and dysregulated immunity converge to initiate MS, providing important insights into prevention and future targeted therapeutic strategies.

Professor Rajiv Khanna

Prof. Rajiv Khanna is currently appointed as Co-Director of Queensland Immunology Research Centre; and Distinguished Scientist at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. Prof. Khanna is also Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Cyteph Pty Ltd; and holds Honorary Professor appointments at the University of Queensland and Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. Prof. Khanna is a Fellow of Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and was awarded Order of Australia in 2017. He has extensive expertise in cellular immunotherapy clinical trials, viral immunology and vaccine development (total publications 280; H-Index 77). Over the last two decades, his group has successfully translated his research towards the development of novel T cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancers, post-transplant infectious complications and autoimmune diseases. Prof. Khanna has been appointed as a consultant to Merck, Sanofi, Atara Biotherapeutics, Dynavax Technologies and Cellevolve Bio for the development of novel immunotherapeutics, diagnostic technologies and vaccines.

Abstract of Lecture:

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is increasingly recognised as a critical contributor to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Large longitudinal studies demonstrate that EBV infection precedes MS onset, while infectious mononucleosis is associated with increased disease risk. These findings have shifted the field from establishing an association towards understanding how the EBV–MS link can be translated into prevention and treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that altered host immunity to EBV may contribute to MS pathogenesis. Recent studies have identified distinct changes in EBV-specific T-cell immunity in people with MS, including expansion of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T-cell responses against EBV latency-associated antigens, altered T-cell receptor repertoires, and transcriptional programs associated with immune activation. Integration of these immune signatures with MS genetic susceptibility further highlights the intersection between antiviral immunity and disease pathogenesis. These insights create opportunities for clinical innovation. Prophylactic EBV vaccination could potentially reduce MS risk by preventing primary infection or infectious mononucleosis, while therapeutic vaccination, EBV-specific T-cell therapies and antibody-based approaches offer strategies for targeting established infection or dysregulated antiviral immunity. EBV-specific immune signatures may additionally provide biomarkers for patient stratification and therapeutic monitoring, creating a pathway from mechanistic discovery to prevention and precision treatment of MS.

Kuo-Hsuan Chang, MD, PhD

Dr. Chang graduated from Taipei Medical University in 2000 and received his resident training of neurology at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center. In 2007, he participated in the PhD program for stem cell neurogenesis in Imperial College London and completed this training in 2010. Dr. Chang’s research interests focus on biomarker research of neuroinflammatory diseases (multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy), and establishment of cell model platform including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for exploring pathogenesis and discovering new drugs in neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, spinocerebellar ataxia and Huntington’s disease).

Abstract of Lecture:

Current disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) effectively suppress peripheral relapses but have limited effects on compartmentalized central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, which is driven by activated microglia and CNS-resident B cells and implicated in progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA). This unmet need has prompted the development of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, a new class of oral, CNS-penetrant agents that target immune mechanisms on both sides of the blood-brain barrier. By modulating B-cell receptor signaling and pro-inflammatory microglial pathways without inducing systemic lymphodepletion, BTK inhibitors may suppress peripheral immune activity while targeting CNS-compartmentalized inflammation and preserving baseline humoral immunity. Clinical trial results have demonstrated efficacy across different MS phenotypes, although outcomes have varied among individual agents. In relapsing MS, evobrutinib and tolebrutinib did not outperform teriflunomide in reducing relapse activity, whereas fenebrutinib and remibrutinib significantly reduced annualized relapse rates compared with teriflunomide. On the other hand, tolebrutinib significantly reduced disability worsening in non-relapsing secondary progressive MS, while fenebrutinib demonstrated non-inferiority to ocrelizumab in primary progressive MS These findings suggest that BTK inhibitors may extend MS treatment beyond peripheral relapse control toward dual-compartment immunomodulation, with potential effects on CNS inflammatory mechanisms associated with disability progression.

Professor Simon Broadley

Professor Broadley has been researching the causes and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders, including neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG antibody associated demyelination (MOGAD), for 20 years. He has undertaken work that has contributed to the establishment of a familial link between MS and other autoimmune diseases, discovered over 200 genes that cause MS, investigated the link between vitamin D and MS, and explored the impact of a number of environmental factors on the disease. He has been a principal investigator on several clinical trials of highly effective therapies for MS.

Professor Broadley has over 200 peer reviewed publications and has an H-factor of 56. He has been associated with competitive research grant funding totalling AUS$20 million. He is involved in several international research collaborations including, MSBase, Guthy-Jackson International Clinical Consortium, International MS Genetics Consortium and PAMRINO. He is the Chair of the NMO Australia and New Zealand Collaboration and of the Australian MS Clinical Trials Platform. He is Co-Chief Editor of Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical.

Professor Broadley's current projects include the Queensland NMOSD/MOGAD prevalence study, the STOP-MS clinical trial of anti-EBV therapies in progressive MS, the PLATYPUS trial of neuroprotective and remyelinating therapies in progressive MS, the RAMBLE clinical trial of rituximab to reduce the risk of autoimmune adverse events after alemtzumab in the treatment of MS and the AusLong longitudinal study of MS across Australia.

Professor Broadley undertook his undergraduate training at the University of Manchester before completing training in neurology in London, Bristol and Adelaide. He completed his PhD on the Genetics of MS at the University of Cambridge. He is currently appointed as Professor of Neurology at Griffith University; and as Senior Staff Specialist in Neurology at Gold Coast University Hospital.

Abstract of Lecture:

Clinical trials have drastically changed the outlook for people with MS globally and have provided key insights into the underlying pathogenesis of the disease. The greatest challenges now are to deliver effective treatments for the progressive stage of MS in a timely manner to benefit those who had reached this stage prior to the availability of high efficacy therapies. Pivotal to this aim are three main tenets. The first is the repurposing of therapies that are already approved for other indications, thereby removing many of the barriers that exist in getting new drugs to market. The second is the utilisation of novel trial designs such as adaptive clinical trials. These can include multiple arms or multiple stages to optimise control arm information and reduce time in progressing through successive trial phases. The third is to design robust clinical trials with proven outcome measures and sufficient quality assurance processes to be able to meet regulatory approval requirements. It is hoped that through the a combination of these approaches, new effective therapies for progressive MS will become available sooner than might previously have been possible and that these principals can be applied to other niche groups.

Dr Michael Levy

My clinical research focuses on rare neuroimmune disorders, with a particular focus on developing and leading clinical trials for conditions such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG antibody disease (MOGAD). I have led several investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trials aimed at finding new treatments for these diseases. Notably, I am the lead principal investigator for the cosMOG and METEOROID MOGAD trials, which are the first and only trials for MOGAD. I have also been involved in trials evaluating inebilizumab, eculizumab and ravulizumab in NMOSD. These clinical trials reflect my ongoing commitment to improving treatment options for patients with rare neuroimmune disorders. Through collaborations, we have contributed to understanding the epidemiology, disease progression, and treatment strategies for these rare diseases.

Abstract of Lecture:

This talk will review the evolving treatment landscape for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), with emphasis on both current clinical practice and emerging trial data. Acute attacks are typically treated with high-dose corticosteroids, often with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for severe or steroid-refractory events. For relapse prevention, treatment remains individualized based on attack severity, relapse history, age, comorbidities, and treatment tolerance. IVIG has become an important maintenance option, supported by observational studies showing reductions in relapse frequency, particularly when administered at adequate dose and frequency. Other commonly used steroid-sparing therapies include mycophenolate mofetil and IL-6 pathway inhibition.

The presentation will also discuss the results of the Phase III METEOROID trial of satralizumab, the first positive randomized controlled trial in MOGAD. Satralizumab, an IL-6 receptor inhibitor, significantly reduced relapse risk compared with placebo and provides prospective evidence supporting targeted cytokine therapy in this disease. These findings represent an important step toward an evidence-based treatment framework for MOGAD. The talk will integrate trial results with real-world treatment strategies and highlight practical considerations in selecting and sequencing maintenance therapies.

Dr Narendra Pulukuri

Dr Narendra Pulukuri is a neurologist with specialised training in neuroimmunology, with a particular focus on inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the CNS. His academic interests include real-world treatment strategies in multiple sclerosis, particularly anti-CD20 therapies and extended-interval rituximab dosing; the expanding clinical and radiological spectrum of MOG antibody-associated disease; and neuro-ophthalmological manifestations of demyelinating disorders.

During his neuroimmunology training under the mentorship of Prof. Lekha Pandit, he gained exposure to neuroimmunology diagnostics, including cell-based antibody assays, OCT, VEP, and other visual pathway assessments in demyelinating disorders.

Abstract of Lecture:

Tumefactive demyelinating lesions are large, mass-like inflammatory lesions that can closely mimic glioma, primary CNS lymphoma, metastasis, infection, and stroke. Although classically described in younger adults, their occurrence in the elderly presents a particular diagnostic challenge, as neoplasia becomes an increasingly important competing diagnosis with advancing age and may lead to diagnostic delay.

Imaging remains central to the diagnostic approach. Features such as incomplete open-ring enhancement, relatively limited mass effect or oedema, multifocal white-matter involvement, and interval response to immunotherapy may favour an inflammatory demyelinating process. However, no single imaging feature is diagnostic, and careful clinicoradiological correlation and longitudinal assessment remain essential.

We present two elderly women with tumefactive brain lesions illustrating contrasting diagnostic trajectories. The first presented with subacute encephalopathy and hemiparesis and had a large temporoparietal open-ring enhancing lesion. She showed striking clinical and radiological recovery following immunotherapy. The second presented with progressive cognitive and behavioural decline and had multifocal enhancing lesions involving the corpus callosum and cerebellum. Her response to immunotherapy was incomplete, and primary CNS lymphoma remained an important competing consideration.

These cases highlight the diagnostic complexity of tumefactive lesions in older adults and the importance of integrating clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, serological findings, treatment response, and longitudinal evolution. They also illustrate that an apparently convincing inflammatory diagnosis may require continued reassessment when the clinical and radiological course is atypical.

Young Nam Kwon, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Young Nam Kwon, is currently a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, Korea. He completed his residency in Neurology at Kyung Hee University Medical Center and subsequently pursued fellowship training in neuroimmunology and neuromuscular disease at Seoul National University Hospital.

His clinical and research interests focus on neuroimmunology, particularly MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and multiple sclerosis, as well as intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM).

He has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, including international multicenter studies, and has served as Principal Investigator on several national research grants. He was awarded the PACTRIMS Investigator Award in 2021 and 2024.

Abstract of Lecture:

A 34-year-old woman developed acute left optic neuritis three months after her first delivery in 2019. She was diagnosed with AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD and initially treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). In 2021, MMF was switched to rituximab before the planned pregnancy.

Following her second delivery in May 2022, she reported progressive bilateral visual deterioration beginning within one month postpartum. Follow-up orbit MRI performed in June 2022 revealed no recurrent optic nerve enhancement, and neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation did not support clinical relapse. MMF was restarted in October 2022. Despite the absence of relapse, her subjective visual symptoms gradually progressed over the following three years.

By April 2025, VA had declined from 1.0/1.0 to 0.7/0.9. Serial OCT demonstrated progressive bilateral retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning (OD: 97→91 μm; OS: 83→78 μm), accompanied by ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thinning in the clinically unaffected right eye (76→74 μm) over a 65-months follow-up. Humphrey visual field remained largely stable (MD: +2.11→+0.48 OD; +1.52→+0.56 OS; VFI 99–100% throughout).

This case highlights a discrepancy between persistent subjective visual deterioration and the absence of conventional relapse activity in AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD. Progressive structural retinal changes despite clinical stability raise the possibility of relapse-independent neuroaxonal injury and underscore the importance of longitudinal multimodal monitoring, including OCT, even in patients without apparent relapses.

Kyoka Fujii, M.D.

Kyoka Fujii, MD, is a neurologist at Kobe University Hospital and a graduate student at Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. She graduated from Kobe University School of Medicine in 2017 and completed her clinical training in internal medicine and neurology at Tenri Hospital, Kobe University Hospital, and Yodogawa Christian Hospital.

Her primary clinical interests are neurology and neuroimmunology, particularly neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and other immune-mediated neurological diseases. She is a board-certified neurologist and a certified physician in neuroimmunology.

Abstract of Lecture:

A 39-year-old woman had been diagnosed with left idiopathic optic neuritis 5 years earlier and treated with corticosteroids. Six months after delivering her first child, she was admitted to our department because of acute left-sided sensory disturbance causing inability to walk. MRI revealed gadolinium-enhancing T2-hyperintense lesions at C2–5 and Th9–10. Anti-AQP4 and anti-MOG antibodies were negative in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and plasma exchange, leading to clinical improvement and discharge with independent ambulation. However, on the day of discharge, she developed abnormal sensation in the left face and bilateral lower limb weakness and was readmitted. MRI showed a new lesion in the right thalamus. She subsequently developed tetraplegia and impaired consciousness, with an increasing number of intracranial lesions. Repeated cerebrospinal fluid cytology and whole-body PET-MRI were negative. Considering recurrent inflammatory attacks, intravenous methylprednisolone, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin were administered; however, the lesions continued to increase. After concomitant oral corticosteroid therapy, her symptoms gradually improved. Ofatumumab was introduced, and she was transferred with an EDSS score of 9.0. This case suggests that a fulminant MS phenotype may exist, potentially including double-seronegative NMOSD.

Jon Stewart Hao Dy, MD, FPNA

Jon Stewart Hao Dy, MD, FPNA, is a board-certified adult neurologist and Fellow of the Philippine Neurological Association with a primary clinical and research interest in neuroimmunology. He is a Consultant Neurologist and Deputy Training Officer of the Section of Neurology at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center and Medical Specialist I at Taguig-Pateros District Hospital. He also serves as Associate Professor III and Head/Subject Coordinator of Clinical Neurosciences at Mapúa University School of Medicine and Assistant Professor at St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine. His scholarly work includes clinical research in multiple sclerosis, immune-mediated neurologic diseases, stroke, and NeuroArts. He has 16 peer-reviewed journal publications, with additional contributions to medical books and chapters, and serves as an Associate Editor of Cureus Journal of Medical Science. He is an incoming Clinical Fellow in Neuroimmunology at St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, beginning in 2027.

Abstract of Lecture:

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is uncommon and presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in resource-variable healthcare settings. This lecture presents the longitudinal course of a Filipino child who developed recurrent focal neurologic symptoms at nine years of age, with magnetic resonance imaging demonstrating multifocal inflammatory demyelinating lesions consistent with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Following recognition of active disease, early high-efficacy therapy with rituximab was initiated in February 2022. The patient has subsequently demonstrated sustained clinical remission over approximately four years, with preserved neurologic function, independence in activities of daily living, and continued participation in age-appropriate school and social activities. Serial neuroimaging provides an opportunity to examine the radiologic evolution of disease following treatment. The case highlights the importance of recognizing pediatric multiple sclerosis, considering early high-efficacy treatment in children with active disease, and maintaining longitudinal clinical and radiologic surveillance. It also illustrates how contemporary neuroimmunology care can be implemented within the Philippine healthcare setting.

Associate Professor Anne Bruestle

Associate Professor Anne Brüstle is an immunologist at The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University.

Her work centres around the autoimmune components of Multiple Sclerosis. Her group is particularly interested in innate immune populations driving pathology in this complex condition. Utilising laboratory model systems in combination with a longitudinal cohort of people with MS they aim to understand the underlying biological principals of neuroinflammation. In collaboration with industrial partners her group further evaluates potential targets for conceptually novel MS treatments and deciphers their biological mechanisms in neuroinflammation. In 2018 she was awarded the Young Tall Poppy Award for her work for and with the MS community and currently holds a Senior Research Fellowship from MS Australia. She further was the chair of “Our Health in Our Hands” a transdisciplinary program to develop personalised monitoring and managing approaches for chronic autoimmune conditions such as MS and diabetes, in collaboration and co-designed by people with lived experience.

Anne completed her PhD in Human Biology 2008 at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Philipps-University in Marburg, Germany. She was recruited to ANU in mid-2014, after being a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, Canada. She currently also holds the position of Associate Dean for Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access at the ANU College of Science and Medicine.

Abstract of Lecture:

Meaningful engagement with people with MS has become an important part of how we develop our research. Through Our Health in Our Hands (OHIOH), a transdisciplinary program bringing together clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience, we worked directly with people with MS not only to understand their priorities and ensure our research addresses questions and outcomes that matter to them, but to make them partners in our research. This engagement contributed to the development of the MS Toolkit, which provides a structured approach to co-design.

A key example is our work on fatigue, one of the most common and challenging symptoms of MS. Through workshops and interviews, people with MS helped us develop the ANU MS Fatigue Scales and Fatigue App. Their input shifted our approach from asking people to retrospectively summarise their fatigue to capturing how they feel “right now” across physical, cognitive, emotional and social domains.

In this presentation, I will share lessons from these projects, how participant engagement shaped our research, the obstacles we encountered, and the benefits of working in partnership with people with MS.

Associate Professor Deanna R. Saylor, MD, MHS

Dr. Deanna Saylor is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Saylor completed her undergraduate studies in chemistry and molecular genetics at The Ohio State University, graduated from medical school from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and obtained her Masters in Clinical Epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. After completing an internship in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, she then completed neurology residency and neuro-infectious diseases fellowship training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her clinical and research interests include neurological complications of HIV, global health and neurology, and improving the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions in resource-limited settings using implementation science with a particular focus on stroke care. Much of her research is based in sub-Saharan Africa, including projects in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. Most recently, Dr. Saylor lived and worked full-time in Zambia from 2018-2026 as Director of the first and only neurology post-graduate training program in the country. She also led Zambia’s first inpatient neurology service, based at the University Teaching Hospital, during that time and helped launch Zambia’s first teleneurology service and first stroke unit, while building an ongoing clinical research program focused on stroke, multiple sclerosis, and improving systems of neurological care in Zambia. Dr. Saylor is also a recipient of the American Academy of Neurology’s Ted Burns Humanism Award, Mridha Spirit of Neurology Award, Neuro-Infectious Disease Award, and A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award; the American Neurological Association’s Distinguished Neurology Teacher Award and Derek Denny Brown Award in Clinical Research; the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Global Achievement Award; and the Society for Equity Neuroscience (SEQUINS) Griffith Outstanding Mentor Award.

Abstract of Lecture:

This lecture will review what is known about the global epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on the important limitations of currently available data. Emerging studies from sub-Saharan Africa suggesting substantial underdiagnosis of MS in the region will be reviewed, alongside initiatives from CTRIMS partners and multilateral organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), aimed at improving access to timely and accurate diagnosis. The lecture will then examine persistent global disparities in access to MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), highlighting MSIF’s successful effort to have MS DMTs added to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and the implications of this important milestone. Finally, ongoing and future opportunities to improve equitable access to MS diagnosis, treatment, and care globally will be discussed.

Ichiro Nakashima, M.D., Ph.D.

Ichiro Nakashima graduated in Medicine (M.D.) in 1994 and Internal Medicine (Ph.D.) in 1999 at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. Dr. Nakashima holds the position of Professor of Neurology at Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University and is President of the Japanese Society of Neuroimmunology, Board-Certified Member of the Japanese Society of Neurology and the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine as well as a Councilor of the Japanese Society of Neurology, and the Japanese Society of Neuro Therapeutics. Dr. Nakashima’s publications cover neuroimmunological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, and his major research projects cover areas like significance of oligoclonal IgG bands and roles of B cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. Dr. Nakashima has published more than 340 peer-reviewed articles, and the current h-index is 74.

Abstract of Lecture:

Japan’s universal health insurance system is complemented by the “Nanbyo” framework, which provides medical cost subsidies for patients with designated intractable diseases. Although this system facilitates access to high-cost treatments for multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, important gaps remain for newly recognized neuroimmunological diseases.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) affects an estimated 1,700 patients in Japan. Approximately half have a monophasic course, whereas some experience recurrent attacks with severe neurological sequelae. Accurate diagnosis requires MOG antibody testing; however, this essential test is not currently reimbursed by national health insurance. Moreover, MOGAD has not yet been designated as an intractable disease, raising concerns about future access to emerging high-cost therapies. Similar challenges affect autoimmune encephalitis, in which timely antibody testing is critical for diagnosis and early immunotherapy.

We are working with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare toward designation of MOGAD as a “Nanbyo,” regulatory approval of standardized MOG antibody assays, and insurance reimbursement for testing. Closing these gaps is essential to translate advances in neuroimmunology into equitable clinical care in Japan.

Professor Jeannette Lechner-Scott

Professor Jeannette Lechner-Scott is a senior staff specialist in the Department of Neurology, Newcastle, and a conjoint Professor at the University of Newcastle.

She is the head of the Neuroimmunology clinic at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle and the deputy director of the Immune Health Program in the Hunter Medical Research Program. She has decades of experience with clinical trials in MS, has started a biobank for over 1500 pwMS, which are all followed up and documented in MSBase. She is world leading in epigenetics in MS and does longitudinal trials with advanced MRI techniques to identify progression in MS.

Abstract of Lecture:

Chronological age is one of the strongest predictors of disability accumulation in multiple sclerosis (MS), yet age alone does not adequately explain the substantial heterogeneity in disease trajectories. Progression reflects the interaction between cumulative inflammatory injury, neuroaxonal loss, impaired remyelination and repair, mitochondrial dysfunction, immunosenescence, and declining brain and cognitive reserve. With increasing age, the biological processes underlying progression may become increasingly dissociated from focal inflammatory disease activity.

This has stimulated interest in biomarkers of biological ageing and vulnerability to progression. Epigenetic clocks derived from DNA methylation profiles provide molecular estimates of biological age. Epigenetic age acceleration has been described in pwMS. Brain-age modelling provides an imaging-derived estimate of biological brain age, with the difference between predicted brain age and chronological age. Similarly, a significant brain-age gap has been identified for pwMS.

Integrating these measures with clinical, cognitive, MRI and fluid biomarkers may improve our ability to identify individuals at increased risk of progression and cognitive decline. Ultimately, understanding biological ageing may provide a framework for moving beyond chronological age towards biologically informed, personalised approaches to MS prognosis and treatment.

Associate Professor Jae-Won Hyun M.D., Ph.D.

Jae-Won Hyun is a neurologist at the National Cancer Center, Korea, specializing in neuroimmunological disorders including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and MOG antibody-associated disease. Her research focuses on the clinical characteristics, biomarkers, and outcomes of these disorders, as well as neurological complications in individuals with cancer.

Abstract of Lecture:

Monitoring in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) may require approaches distinct from those used in multiple sclerosis (MS). This talk will review evidence on disability accumulation and clinical progression independent of relapse activity in NMOSD and MOGAD. It will discuss the potential roles and limitations of biomarkers including serum glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament light, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in monitoring disease activity and tissue injury. Particular attention will be given to the challenges of distinguishing the prolonged effects of previous attacks from attack-independent injury and to the uncertain relationship between biomarker changes and sustained clinical worsening. The lecture will consider whether available evidence supports routine surveillance for silent progression and how this evidence may inform disease-specific monitoring strategies.

Professor Yuko Shimizu M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Yuko Shimizu is Professor of Neurology at Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU), where she also serves in the Department of Medical Safety. She graduated from TWMU School of Medicine and received her PhD from TWMU in 1994.

From 1992 to 1993, she was a Research Fellow in the Department of Rheumatology and Allergy-Clinical Immunology at Cornell University Medical College. She subsequently held academic positions at TWMU, including Associate Professor and Professor, and was appointed Professor of Neurology in 2022. From April to November 2024, she also served as Vice President of TWMU in charge of Medical Safety.

Her clinical and research interests focus on neuroimmunological disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated neurological diseases, with a special focus on the management of women with neurological disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

She has held leadership positions in several Japanese medical societies, including the Japanese Neurological Society and the Japanese Society for Neuroimmunology, and serves as a board member of the NPO Japan Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Abstract of Lecture:

Monitoring in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) may require approaches distinct from those used in multiple sclerosis (MS). This talk will review evidence on disability accumulation and clinical progression independent of relapse activity in NMOSD and MOGAD. It will discuss the potential roles and limitations of biomarkers including serum glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament light, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in monitoring disease activity and tissue injury. Particular attention will be given to the challenges of distinguishing the prolonged effects of previous attacks from attack-independent injury and to the uncertain relationship between biomarker changes and sustained clinical worsening. The lecture will consider whether available evidence supports routine surveillance for silent progression and how this evidence may inform disease-specific monitoring strategies.