MEDIA ALERTACTRIMS and ECTRIMS Host Sixth Triennial Joint Meeting in Boston, September 10-13

  • Scientific Program to feature new research findings, emerging therapies, breakthroughs in remyelination and repair, and genetic determinants of MS
  • Oceans of Hope MS Crew to Open Conference with Presentation on their First Transatlantic Crossing

Newswise — August 14, 2014, Boston, MA -- On September 10-13, ACTRIMS and ECTRIMS will be jointly hosting MSBoston2014 – the world’s largest international conference exclusively devoted to research in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. Held at the Hynes Convention Center in downtown Boston, this sixth triennial joint international meeting will attract close to 7,000 researchers and medical professionals, as well as companies involved in the development and commercialization of MS treatments and advocacy organizations that provide funding for research, programs and services for those living with MS.

This year’s program is packed with a scientific agenda that includes: 40 teaching courses, 42 invited talks, 94 platform presentations, 981 poster presentations, 7 late-breaking* platform presentations, and 22 late-breaking presentations to be presented as e-posters. During the meeting, there will also be Burning Debates and Q&A discussions streaming live on ACTRIMS and ECTRIMS social media channels.

The conference will open on Wednesday, September 10th with a full-day educational program starting at 8:00 a.m. The Steering Committee will then host an opening press conference at 9:30 a.m., providing an overview of key conference highlights and the Young Investigator Awards. Select presentations by these rising stars will be presented at the Young Investigator Sessions**, which will take place at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The Scientific Program will begin Thursday, September 11th, with an Opening Ceremony. Dr. Dhib-Jalbut, President of ACTRIMS, will provide a welcome address, which will be followed by a compelling presentation given by the crew of Oceans of Hope, a 20-metre yacht undertaking the first global circumnavigation with a working crew including people living with MS. Their mission is to change perceptions of what it means to live with the disease and they are making their first transatlantic crossing to participate in MSBoston2014. This crew, led by Dr. Mikkel Anthonisen, will share a gripping video of their voyage, and speak of their extraordinary experiences during their transatlantic crossing. A press event will follow in the Press Room where Q&A and personal interviews will be available with crew members who hail from Denmark, Portugal and Boston. Footage will be available to broadcast journalists upon request. Studio appearances can also be arranged (advanced notice requested). The Plenary Session will also feature Professor David A. Hafler, Chairman of the Department of Neurology of the Yale School of Medicine, presenting a talk entitled: Approaching the cause of multiple sclerosis.

As media who cover health, medicine, science and research, you will find this international congress offers an extraordinary opportunity to learn first-hand about many new breakthroughs in MS including:

  • new findings, research advances, emerging therapies and novel approaches to treatment in MS;
  • the impact of pathology, genetics and environment on the development of MS; and
  • new developments in remyelination, repair, rehabilitation and the potential role of stem cells in recovery.

The Meeting will also allow you access to MS experts and professionals throughout the conference. The press room managers will facilitate interviews and work diligently to connect you with ACTRIMS/ECTRIMS leaders and experts. Regularly, members of the Steering & Scientific Committee will be dropping by the Press Room to answer questions and provide insights on major studies, emerging trends and novel research to journalists.

For more information on MSBoston2014, go to: www.MSBoston2014.org.

As a member of the press or as a freelancer, if you wish to register, arrange interviews or make special requests, go to: Media registration, or contact us:

Media Opportunities, Content and InterviewsLynn BlenkhornJoint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting508-851-0930617-761-6766 [email protected]

Registration and LogisticsCatherine LaraméeMedia CoordinatorJoint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting+ 1 514 286-1004, ext. 24[email protected]

*Go to Saturday, September 13th; then click on LB1: Late Breaker News**Go to Wednesday, September 10th; then click on to YI1 or YI2: Young Investigators Session

Meeting Link: MSBoston2014