Dates: April 18-22, 2026
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
Track: Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis
Overview
Multiple sclerosis (MS) continues to be a major focus at AAN, with the 2026 meeting covering the latest advances in disease-modifying therapies, progressive MS treatment, remyelination strategies, and biomarker-guided monitoring. The field has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade with the approval of numerous highly effective therapies, and AAN 2026 will focus on optimizing treatment selection, managing treatment transitions, and addressing the remaining unmet needs in progressive MS and neuroprotection.
Pathway / Mechanism Diagram
graph TD
A["Genetic + Environmental Triggers"] --> B["Autoreactive T-Cell Activation"]
B --> C["BBB Breach and CNS Infiltration"]
C --> D["Th1/Th17 Attack on Myelin"]
C --> E["B-Cell and Antibody Damage"]
D --> F["Demyelination"]
E --> F
F --> G["Axonal Exposure"]
G --> H["Conduction Block"]
H --> I["Relapsing Symptoms"]
F --> J["Remyelination Attempt (OPC)"]
J --> K["Partial Recovery"]
G --> L["Progressive Axonal Degeneration"]
L --> M["Neuronal Loss"]
M --> N["Irreversible Disability (SPMS)"]
D --> O["Chronic Neuroinflammation"]
O --> L
style F fill:#ef5350,color:#e0e0e0
style N fill:#ef5350,color:#e0e0e0
style K fill:#1b5e20,color:#e0e0e0
Disease-Modifying Therapies
B-Cell Targeted Therapies
...
AAN 2026 — Multiple Sclerosis
Dates: April 18-22, 2026
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
Track: Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis
Overview
Multiple sclerosis (MS) continues to be a major focus at AAN, with the 2026 meeting covering the latest advances in disease-modifying therapies, progressive MS treatment, remyelination strategies, and biomarker-guided monitoring. The field has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade with the approval of numerous highly effective therapies, and AAN 2026 will focus on optimizing treatment selection, managing treatment transitions, and addressing the remaining unmet needs in progressive MS and neuroprotection.
Pathway / Mechanism Diagram
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
Disease-Modifying Therapies
B-Cell Targeted Therapies
B-cell depletion remains the most effective approach for relapsing MS, with several key updates expected[@cicolini2024]:
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus): Extended follow-up data from the Phase 3 trials, real-world effectiveness data from international registries (MSBase, CMSC), and safety surveillance for hypogammaglobulinemia
Ofatumumab (Kesimpta): New data on very early treatment initiation in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), combination strategies, and long-term B-cell reconstitution
Ublituximab: Real-world experience data and head-to-head comparisons with other anti-CD20 therapies
High-Efficacy Oral and Infusion Therapies
Natalizumab (Tysabri): Risk stratification updates for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), especially regarding JC virus antibody titers and treatment duration
Fingolimod (Gilenya): Cardiac monitoring protocols updated, use in pediatric MS, and post-marketing safety data
Siponimod (Mayzent): Data in secondary progressive MS with active disease
Cladribine (Mavenclad): Long-term safety and efficacy, retreatment protocols
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles: Phase 2 data
Combination Strategies
Anti-inflammatory therapy + remyelination agents
Physical therapy and targeted rehabilitation to enhance remyelination
Pediatric MS
DMT selection in pediatric-onset MS
Adolescent transition to adult care
Vaccinations and immune responses during DMT
School and social support strategies
Specific Sessions and Symposia
Late-Breaking Science
AAN 2026 will feature late-breaking results from:
Phase 3 trials of BTK inhibitors in relapsing MS
Long-term extension data for recently approved therapies
Real-world evidence studies from large MS registries
Hands-On Workshops
MRI interpretation for MS diagnosis and monitoring
OCT practical training for neuro-ophthalmic assessment
Neurological examination workshop for MS trainees
Meet-the-Expert Sessions
Treatment algorithms in highly active MS
Managing breakthrough disease on DMTs
Reproductive health and family planning in MS
Key Opinion Leaders
Expected speakers include leading MS researchers from Cleveland Clinic, UCSF, Johns Hopkins, Brigham and Women's, University of Cambridge (UK), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), and VUmc Amsterdam.