The New Year has started with high-profile announcements regarding the new drugs in the pipeline for MS. Several such developments were announced at the recent ECTRIMS and ACTRIMS (respectively: European and Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in MS) meetings.

In 2018 we look forward to following their progression through the various stages needed to show the efficacy and safety of new medicines. Many MS Drug watchers will know that such announcements do not always lead to a new drug being effective, safe or marketed in Europe, but it is good to know that the whole field of drug development for MS is alive and very active!

Promoting Brain Health in MS is an international campaign to raise awareness and promote best practice in the treatment of MS This vast undertaking evaluates current practice, campaigns for better provision and raises many issues concerning MS care and treatment often overlooked in the pressures of everyday clinical practice.

The Brain health team comprises internationally renowned medical specialists in MS and provides, in the form of a major report, a comprehensive review of the social and economic impact, diagnosis, treatment and importance of timely intervention in MS.

Thursday 10th January 2019 saw the start of the 15th FACETS course funded by MS Research. Standing for Fatigue: Applying Cognitive behavioural and Energy effectiveness Techniques to life Style, FACETS is a group based therapy programme, initially designed by members of the psychology, research and clinical teams at Poole Hospital in Dorset and the University of Bournemouth, which has so far helped over 100 people in the Bristol area.

On the 6th August Paul Pipkin (Pip) will be embarking on a 211 mile walk for MS Research. He will start in Whitehaven on the west coast of England and end up at St Mary's lighthouse on the east coast going via the historic Hadrian’s Wall.

Since Pip’s wife Deb was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 12 years ago they have both become dedicated fundraisers for MS charities and have supported MS Research since 2015 for which we are extremely grateful.