Recognizing Scientific Excellence and Impact in Multiple Sclerosis Research: Bruce Bebo, PhD

WATCH TIME: 2 minutes

"What often sets some of the prize winners apart is that these discoveries have led to something translational, something that has ultimately resulted in the development of disease-modifying or other therapies that benefit people living with MS.”

Recognition of research in multiple sclerosis (MS) provides an opportunity to highlight the efforts of investigators who contribute to advancing clinicians’ understanding of the disease. Recent studies have expanded knowledge of MS pathogenesis, including evidence that suggests a potential link between Epstein-Barr virus infection and later MS development. These investigations offer important insight into possible risk factors and help shape future lines of inquiry.

In addition to uncovering disease mechanisms, recognized researchers have also contributed to advancements in diagnostic and imaging technologies. For instance, NIH investigators recently used a 4-dimensional brain map in a nonhuman primate model to identify early MRI changes associated with lesion development, work that may inform future detection strategies.¹ Similarly, research using single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed more detailed cellular profiles in chronic MS lesions, further contributing to a growing body of knowledge that supports improved MS care.²

At the 2025 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, held April 5–9 in San Diego, California, the impact of such contributions was underscored when MS expert Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC, FAAN, FANA, was honored with the John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research.^3,4 During the event, Bruce Bebo, PhD, executive vice president of research at the National MS Society, spoke with NeurologyLive^® about the significance of the award, clarifying that although it is a prestigious honor, it is not strictly a lifetime achievement prize. Rather, he noted, that recipients are recognized based on a range of complementary strengths demonstrated across their body of work.

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REFERENCES
1. Lin JP, Brake A, Donadieu M, et al. 4D marmoset brain map reveals MRI and molecular signatures for onset of multiple sclerosis-like lesions. Science. 2025;387(6737):eadp6325. doi:10.1126/science.adp6325
2. Absinta M, Maric D, Gharagozloo M, et al. A lymphocyte-microglia-astrocyte axis in chronic active multiple sclerosis. Nature. 2021;597(7878):709-714. doi:10.1038/s41586-021-03892-7
3. Dr. Amit Bar-Or, Penn Medicine Neuroimmunologist, Awarded the 2025 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. News Release. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Published March 20, 2025. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/bar-or-wins-2025-dystel-prize
4. Bar-Or A. 2025 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. Presented at: 2025 AAN Annual Meeting; April 5-9; San Diego, CA. Multiple Sclerosis: Biomarkers in MS.