~Dr. David Hafler Presents the Cause of MS and the Impact of Environmental Stimuli Interacting with Genetic Factors on the Disease~

Newswise — September 4, 2014, Boston, MA -- On Thursday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m., MSBoston2014 -- the world’s largest international conference exclusively devoted to research in multiple sclerosis (MS) -- will host its opening ceremony with Dr. Dhib-Jalbut, President of ACTRIMS, providing an overarching look at the MS landscape. In his address, he will underscore the critical importance of MS research, the developments and breakthroughs that have been realized, and the difference these advances have made in the lives of those living with MS, as well as those caring for them. He will also speak of the challenges that lie ahead and new areas of research that will transform the field moving forward.

“This conference is a special occasion where researchers, healthcare professionals, industry and patient advocates dedicated to advancing research and treatment of MS are gathered together from many parts of the world to share findings, discuss progress, and learn about new care strategies for those living with MS,” said Dr. Dhib-Jalbut. “The Oceans of Hope crew and so many other courageous people living with MS are what inspire us all every day to pursue our research, investigate new treatments and work towards our ultimate goal of finding a cure.”

MSBoston2014 marks the 6th triennial joint meeting of ACTRIMS and ECTRIMS where researchers from all over the world will gather to present on every aspect of MS research from new therapeutic data in pivotal trials, to underlying disease pathology and genetic factors impacting MS, to remyelination and repair. At this opening ceremony, Maria Trojano, President of ECTRIMS, will emphasize the importance of global collaboration in augmenting research advances, accelerating new therapeutic development, and adopting best practices in MS. Oceans of Hope, a 20-metre yacht undertaking a global circumnavigation with a working crew including people living with MS, aims to change the perceptions of what it means to live with the disease. At this opening ceremony, the crew led by Dr. Mikkel Anthonisen, will share a riveting video of their voyage, and speak of their extraordinary experiences during their transatlantic crossing. A press event will follow in the Press Room with the MSBoston2014 Steering Committee and the Oceans of Hope crew members, who hail from Denmark, Portugal and Boston. The crew will share with journalists their personal stories of living with MS and their individual experience and achievement as part of this crew. Personalized interviews with the crew and footage, and photos will be available. Special tours and interviews on the yacht can be organized, and studio appearances can also be arranged (advanced notice requested). Meteorologists looking for a unique place to deliver their weather report should also call to discuss.

The ceremonies will conclude with a plenary presentation by Dr. David Hafler, a prominent leader in the MS field who has been a defining force in identifying genetic variations associated with human inflammatory immune response and the translation of these findings to therapies for human diseases. Dr. Hafler, in this plenary entitled “Approaching the cause of multiple sclerosis”, will examine the impact environmental stimuli interacting with genetic factors could have on the disease.

Media are welcomed to attend this press event and encouraged to register for MSBoston2014 in advance at: Media registration.

We do hope you will be able to join us on September 11th! Do not hesitate to contact Lynn Blenkhorn with special requests.

DETAILS:When: Thursday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m.

What: Opening Ceremony with the Presidents of ACTRIMS and ECTRIMS, Oceans of Hope video presentation, and Dr. Hafler’s plenary presentation: Approaching the cause of multiple sclerosis.

This event will be followed by a press event in the Press Conference Room at 10:30 a.m. Personalized Interviews, photos, footage and materials will be available.

Where: Hynes Convention Center, Auditorium

How: Media registration to MSBoston2014 will be required and can be obtained in advance at: Media registration.

Contact: Lynn Blenkhorn, [email protected] and at: 508-851-0930.

Meeting Link: MSBoston2014