Jason Plemel, PhD, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, discusses current research and related hurdles in targeting remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS). As an active area of research, there is a current global effort to develop remyelination strategies. One of the most studied approaches is promoting oligodendrocytes to improve their differentiation and thus, the production of myelin. This strategy holds great promise, particularly in younger populations affected by relapse-remitting MS; it has the potential for vast improvements in the remyelination of damaged regions. Dr Plemel also states how this gives rise to an important challenge; with age, remyelination declines. Therefore, therapeutics which seemingly work on the younger population may not work on the older MS population. This gives way for a critical avenue to pursue – applying the therapeutics for a greater mode of action, across a wider range of MS patients. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
