Description
Aim of the Course
The Pre-ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS course is an annual event aimed at providing an update on the main novelties of the year in the field of MS. The 2026 edition will particularly focus on new evidence on immunopathogenetic mechanisms, imaging, fluid biomarkers an new therapeutic approaches In relation to the MS continuum.
The ‘controversies’ session will cover the main ‘hot topics’ that are currently debated, including MS prodromes, progression independent from relapses (PIRA) as a new clinical outcome, the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the improvement of MS detection and prediction, and new epidemiological data and treatment algorithm about late onset MS (LOMS).
Since 2020, Med-Ex Learning has been providing this course in collaboration with the European Charcot Foundation, and we plan to continue this tradition in 2026 and in the future.
Target Audience
The 2026 Joint Pre-ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Course is designed for neurologists and other healthcare professionals with specific interest in Multiple Sclerosis.
Learning objectives
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Describing the role of central chronic inflammation in the progressive phase of MS and the mechanism of action of new drugs
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Addressing new diagnostic and treatment challenges in special populations and conditions (radiological isolated syndrome, pregnancy, elderly…)
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Understanding how to classify disease courses and estimate prognosis in relation to new fluid and digital biomarkers of disease progression
Scientific Organisers
Hans Peter Hartung
Professor of Neurology
Department of Neurology
Heinrich-Heine University
and
Department of Conservative Medicine
Dusseldorf University Hospital
Co-President of the European Charcot Foundation
Dusseldorf, Germany
Xavier Montalban
Professor of Neurology
Neurology Department
Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat)
and
Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus
Co-President of the European Charcot Foundation
Barcelona, Spain
CME Accreditation
The programme will be submitted for CME accreditation to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) and the American Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
Registration
Registration for in-person attendance is free of charge but limited places are available.
Pre-register Now to be among the first to receive programme updates, early access to registration, and key information as the 2026 edition takes shape.
Scientific Secretariat
Med-Ex Learning
Rome, Italy
info@medexlearning.com
Preliminary Programme
13.30 – Welcome & Opening
H.P. Hartung, Germany and X. Montalban, Spain
Session 1: Relapsing remitting and progressive MS – One or Two Diseases?
Chair: H.P. Hartung, Germany
13.45 – L1
New evidence on mechanistic aspects of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration
Speaker to be announced
14.05 – L2
Imaging biomarkers
D. Ontaneda, USA
14.25 – L3
Body fluid biomarkers conceptual and practical
J. Kuhle, Switzerland
14.45 – L4
New Diagnostic criteria and revision of the classification of courses
X. Montalban, Spain
15.05 – L5
Optimization of treatments in real life settings
J. Oh, Canada
15.25 – L6
From neuroimmunology to future treatment targets
A. Bar Or
15.45 – Q&A
15.55 – Coffee break
Session 2: Controversies in MS
Chair: X. Montalban, Spain
16.10 – L7
MS prodromes: sensitivity or specificity?
Speaker to be announced
16.30 – L8
PIRA: inflammation or neurodegeneration?
C. Tur, Spain
16.50 – L9
Predicting disability: what’s the role of artificial intelligence?
C. Granziera, Switzerland
17.10 – L10
Late onset MS: a new clinical entity?
M. Tintorè, Spain
17.30 – L11
Treatment de-escalation: who, when, why?
H.P. Hartung, Germany
17.50 – L12
Pregnancy management in MS: what’s new?
M. Houtchens, US
18.00 – Q&A
18.15 – Wrap up
18.20 – End of the day