59 msfocusmagazine.org past decade to identify MS biomarkers like those that have been identified in the field of cancer. Researchers believe that the discovery of such a biomarker could make the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis simpler, predict disease progression, and improve clinical outcomes. However, until now, none of the biomarkers identified have proven clinically useful. A study recently reported in Nature Scientific Reports, identified a biomarker that could be useful in diagnosing and managing MS. The biomarker identified is known as the kynurenine pathway.According to researchers, abnormalities in the kynurenine pathway are associated with the switch from early-or-mild stages of MS to themoresevereandprogressive forms of the disease. Currently, no definitive test exists for diagnosing MS, nor does any test exist to determine the specific type of MS. Information learned from the kynurenine pathway may allow clinicians to not only simplify the diagnosis process, but also to identify the type of multiple sclerosis – all with a simple blood test. Currently, once clinicians prescribe a disease-modifying therapy to someone with MS, they must “watch and wait” to see if the drug is effective. If the disease progresses, then treatments are changed. However, the new treatment must again go through a “watch and wait” period. This is not optimal, because the earlier an effective treatment is initiated, the better the prognosis is for the patient. This simple blood test could allow clinicians to modify therapies earlier in the disease process – even prior to patients experiencing worsening of disease. Researchers in Australia are also invest- igating a new treatment, and delivery method, that could treat MS inflammation in a more targeted manner. They have identified a particular protein that plays a crucial role in inflammation. The treatment protein is a DNA enzyme that researchers plan to develop and then attach to another molecule that is specifically designed to “target” the correct cells. According to researchers, this method could be a safer approach to deliver target- specific therapies in MS treatment. When asked about this particular therapy, Dr. Thrower noted that “the technology is only in the infancy stages,” but he agreed with the investigators that such a therapy would revolutionize the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The last 25 years have seen many advances in the field of multiple sclerosis. During that time, the number of disease- modifying therapies has gone from zero to more than a dozen. Much has also been learned about the pathogenesis of MS. The next five to 10 years could produce many new findings and possibly even a cure for the disease. These advances may prove to be an important step along the way. “Taken together, these reports are very exciting and could potentially change how MS is diagnosed, treated, and managed!”