Disease-modifying MS treatment patterns and outcomes in Black and Hispanic people
Official title: Disease modifying therapies, serum neurofilament light chain levels, and multiple sclerosis outcomes in Black and Hispanic persons
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11385952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how multiple sclerosis treatment choices and early nerve‑injury markers differ by race/ethnicity and how that affects long-term disability in Black and Hispanic patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 4, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $659,241 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS140141-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with multiple sclerosis, particularly Black or Hispanic individuals living in the U.S.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MS or those not receiving care within the included healthcare systems may not benefit.
What this research studies
The study will examine real-world use of disease-modifying therapies at MS onset among Black and Hispanic people versus White patients. Researchers will analyze medical records and biomarker data to see if early, highly effective therapies are prescribed and whether sNfL levels at diagnosis relate to subsequent disability. The goal is to understand if unequal treatment or biology contributes to worse outcomes in these groups and to identify opportunities to improve care. By linking race/ethnicity, treatment timing, and neuroaxonal injury, the project aims to inform personalized treatment decisions and reduce disparities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide earlier and more equitable treatment choices to narrow disability gaps in MS.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies showed benefit of early highly effective therapies in MS, but racial disparities in treatment and outcomes need further confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langer-Gould, Annette M — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Langer-Gould, Annette M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.