AIMS Charity marked its 5th anniversary with a groundbreaking summit in Sheffield, focusing on the revolutionary StarMS treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS).
Celebrating its 5th year, AIMS (Autoimmune and Multiple Sclerosis) Charity, a pivotal player in MS treatment evolution, held a significant event at Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield, on Saturday 25 November. The gathering aimed to educate and inform about Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) for MS, a treatment showing effectiveness in stopping disease progression. The event spotlighted the StarMS treatment, undergoing trials in Sheffield and nationally, with testimonies from public figures and industry experts.
Among the notable attendees were Mathew Embry, a respected documentary filmmaker, Nicola Chapman-Haste, a makeup artist and YouTuber with MS, BBC journalist Caroline Wyatt, and Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, an Oxford English literature professor, all sharing their experiences with HSCT.
HSCT, a type of chemotherapy using the patient’s stem cells, is intended to rebuild the immune system and halt MS progression. The StarMS trial compares Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (aHSCT) with advanced Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) and aims to deepen the understanding of aHSCT’s mechanism in RRMS. The trial includes 198 patients from 19 UK sites, with a 24-month monitoring period involving regular assessments.
This conference was a historic first, bringing together international HSCT experts for vital discussions about this groundbreaking treatment.
Speakers included Dr. Richard K Burt, a pioneer in HSCT for MS, along with Professor Basil Sharrack, Professor John Snowden, Dr. Majid Kazmi, Professor Gavin Giovannoni, Dr. Elisa Roldan Galvan, Dr. Guillermo Ruiz Arguelles, and Dr. Denis A Fedorenko.
Alison Coates of AIMS Charity highlighted the transformative potential of HSCT treatment. Professor Gavin Giovannon stressed the importance of neurologists familiarising themselves with this cutting-edge therapy.
The NHS offers HSCT treatment, providing a ray of hope for MS patients by potentially stopping disease progression and improving quality of life.
AIMS Charity continues its mission to advance MS treatments and support, envisioning a future with accessible groundbreaking therapies for MS patients.
For further information, please visit https://www.aimscharity.org/
