CNMSC & Novartis Biomarkers Collaboration

The CNMSC has entered into a collaborative project with Novartis that spans 3 years. This exciting collaborative project was formed to advance MS clinician and clinic understanding and use of additional biomarkers beyond MRI to monitor MS patients in Canada.

Summary of activities 2025-2026:

Negotiation of a collaborative project agreement between Novartis and CNMSC
Formation of biomarker working group CNMSC
- CNMSC Working Group Members
  - Dr. Penny Smyth
  - Dr. Mark Freedman
  - Dr. Philip Beuachemin
  - Dr. Jiwon Oh
  - Dr. Alexandra Muccilli
  - Dr. Fraser Clift
  - Dr. Jodie Roberts
Co-creation of biomarker survey - sent out to CNMSC Dec 2024/Jan 2025
Review and summary of biomarker survey results by Biomarker working group Feb 2025
Review of biomarker survey with Novartis Final sNfL survey Feb 2025 Slide Deck.pdf
Incorporation of the use of biomarkers into CNMSC fellow presentation June 2025
Initiation of updated Canadian Treatment Optimization Guidelines April 2025 and assignment of working groups, including guidelines on the use of biomarkers

In return, Novartis has agreed to contribute educational grant funding toward CNMSC clinical MS fellowships 2025-2028 at arms-length.