ECTRIMS: distinct biomarkers for PIRA progression

The ECTRIMS press release highlighted research identifying biomarkers of progression independent of relapses. This reinforces the trend toward measuring “silent” disease activity and testing drugs specifically against PIRA.

Using a high-throughput proteomic platform (Olink Explore 3072), researchers analyzed more than 2,800 proteins and applied advanced machine learning methods (LASSO regression) to identify discriminatory markers. The analysis identified 13 proteins that distinguished stable patients from PIRA patients with ~86% accuracy, suggesting that disease progression is determined by distinct biological pathways independent of relapse.

“These results suggest that PIRA involves a complex interaction of immune dysregulation, altered growth factor pathways, and changes in cellular homeostasis,” explained presentation author Andrea Landwer. “Importantly, we found these markers not only in patients who had not previously received treatment, but also in those who had received disease-modifying therapy, highlighting why current treatments targeting relapses do not completely prevent disability progression.”

The study is a step forward in the study of MS biomarkers, as it demonstrates that a small subset of proteins can serve as a reliable set of biomarkers for detecting and monitoring PIRA. Next steps include validation in independent cohorts and prospective clinical trials, as well as targeted studies of the functional role of these proteins in the pathophysiology of MS.

“Ultimately, this research may provide tools for earlier detection and individualized monitoring of PIRA,” Landwer said. “It also opens the door to new therapeutic strategies targeting specific pathways of progression, which could significantly improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for patients.” Read more