##  [Multiple Sclerosis](/diseases/multiplesclerosis "Multiple Sclerosis") 

 ## About MS

MS is characterized by inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. In MS, the body’s own immune system attacks the neurons, causing damage to their protective coating called myelin. There are a wide range of clinical symptoms, including problems with vision, movement and sensation, fatigue, pain and cognitive impairment. The causes of MS are still unknown but the understanding of the disease is constantly improving, helping to advance treatment and enabling patients to live a more normal life.



 



 ![Doctor and patient interacting on medical results](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2025-05/doctor-and-patient-interacting-on-medical-results.png.webp?itok=a81P8jlU "Doctor and patient interacting on medical results") 

 

##  Why advocating for your MS is so important 

For the estimated 2.8 million people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) worldwide, diagnosis is life-altering and can be overwhelming. The symptoms, including loss of vision, movement and sensation, the impact on daily life, hobbies, jobs, and relationships and the threat of progression can easily leave a person feeling out of control.



 

 [Learn More](/stories/why-advocating-your-ms-so-important "Learn More") 



 

 



 





 ![Female patient and male doctor discuss test results](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-12/doctor-showing-patient-ipad.jpg.webp?itok=LpEgjj9C "Doctor showing patient ipad") 

 

##  Types of MS 

MS can be characterized into four main types: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). Every person living with MS has their own unique story and journey with MS, however most people with MS live with RRMS or SPMS.



 

 [Learn More](/diseases/multiplesclerosis/types-ms-and-ms-progression "Learn More") 



 

 



 





Novartis is committed to open dialogue and transparent exchange of information with patient organizations. We see patient groups as a key partner in our decision-making throughout the medicines lifecycle. We believe that incorporating the patient perspective in our decision-making ultimately allows us to develop better medicines for the benefit of patients with unmet needs.



 



 ![Female pharmacist reads customer’s prescription at pharmacy](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-12/pharmacist-reading-customers-prescription.jpg.webp?itok=SN_v0QGy "Pharmacist reading customer's prescription") 

 

##  Treatment options 

Novartis is committed to reimagining medicine for people living with MS and we are a pioneer in delivering innovative treatments that improve the lives of patients worldwide.



 

 [Learn More](/diseases/multiplesclerosis/ms-treatment-options "Learn More") 



 

 



 





 ![Female patient smiles at female HCP in waiting room of doctor’s office](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-12/patient-smiling-at-hcp-in-waiting-room.jpg.webp?itok=Zf7JV-0z "Patient smiling at HCP in waiting room") 

 

##  MS tools 

Novartis, in collaboration with physicians and patients, has developed clinically validated tools to help physicians and patients spot early signs of progression and facilitate a dialogue around any potential changes in the patient’s experience with their MS. Your MS Questionnaire™, for example, is an easy-to-use tool that asks patients about their symptoms in the last six months, so they can have focused discussions with their doctors during consultations.



 

 [Learn More](/diseases/multiplesclerosis/ms-tools "Learn More") 



 

 



 





 ![Women talking while sitting on sofa](/sites/novartis_com/files/styles/cta_image/public/2021-12/women-talking-sofa.jpg.webp?itok=zX4-VzdM "Women talking sofa") 

 

##  Fighting MS through innovation 

Learn more about why investment in innovative treatments is vital to alleviating the suffering caused by MS.



 

 [Learn More](/stories/fighting-ms-through-innovation "Learn More")