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Nearly 20 years with an MS diagnosis—then a different answer. An experimental MS tablet raises questions about effectiveness and safety. And researchers investigate whether AI could help recognize MS earlier.
In this edition of Just MS News, covering October 27–November 2, 2026, Justin Loizos looks at three stories about getting the diagnosis right, understanding treatment evidence, and recognizing changes sooner.
We begin with DeMonica Amerson’s experience of having her diagnosis changed from multiple sclerosis to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Next, we examine fenebrutinib’s MRI findings from MSToronto2026 and the safety questions that need careful consideration. Finally, we explore research using medical records and eye scans to investigate earlier clues to disease and disability.
Plus, seven more headlines covering cognition, resistance training, treatment safety, spinal MRI, immune-cell research, optic neuritis and progressive MS.
Which story raised the most questions for you? Share your thoughts in the comments or join us at https://www.JustMultipleSclerosis.com.
Hosted by Justin Loizos, who has lived with MS since 2012.
Show notes and sources
Just MS News — October 27–November 2, 2026
THE THREE MAIN STORIES
1. Nearly 20 Years With an MS Diagnosis—Then NMOSD
DeMonica Amerson’s story highlights the importance of distinguishing conditions that can resemble MS. NMOSD is a separate disease, and this is one person’s experience—not a typical diagnostic timeline.
CBS News:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/multiple-sclerosis-misdiagnosis-neuromyelitis-optica-christina-applegate/
2. Fenebrutinib: An Experimental MS Tablet and New MRI Findings
Research presented at MSToronto2026 examines fenebrutinib’s effects on slowly expanding lesions and paramagnetic rim lesions. We discuss what these imaging findings might mean, their limitations, and why safety remains central to interpreting the results.
MedPage Today:
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/ectrims/123611
Neurology Advisor:
https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/reports/late-breaking-fenebrutinib-lesion-accumulation-multiple-sclerosis/
3. Could AI Help Recognize MS Earlier?
Researchers are exploring patterns in medical records and other measurements that could help identify people who need further assessment. We also discuss eye-scan research examining patterns over time. A risk estimate is not a diagnosis, and group-level findings are not individual forecasts.
NeurologyLive — earlier recognition research:
https://www.neurologylive.com/view/machine-learning-spots-early-signs-ms-nmosd-years-advance
NeurologyLive — broader AI research coverage:
https://www.neurologylive.com/view/ai-getting-more-out-ms-data-clinical-use-lags-behind
MORE THIS WEEK IN MS
Cognition and Physical Disability in MS
Neuropsychology Review — original review indexed on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42895670/
Resistance Training and BDNF in MS
PLOS ONE:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0359019
Rituximab and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk
JAMA Neurology:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2855706
MRI Technique Investigated for Spinal Cord Lesion Detection
Bioengineer.org — coverage of research in the Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine:
https://bioengineer.org/double-inversion-recovery-mri-spots-more-spinal-cord-lesions-in-multiple-sclerosis/
Gene-Expression Research Examines Monocytes in MS
Bioengineer.org — coverage of research in Discover Immunity:
https://bioengineer.org/monocytes-not-t-cells-show-strongest-gene-disruption-in-multiple-sclerosis/
Experimental Optic Neuritis Treatment: Privosegtor Update
Oculis company announcement via BioSpace:
https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/oculis-to-feature-privosegtors-neuroprotective-potential-and-ongoing-pioneer-program-at-apois-congress-and-cns-summit
Progressive MS Research: Immunic’s November 5 Preview
Immunic company announcement via PR Newswire:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immunic-to-host-virtual-progressive-multiple-sclerosis-rd-day-on-november-5-2026-302923493.html
STAY CONNECTED
Explore the weekly news and subscribe to the newsletter:
https://www.JustMultipleSclerosis.com
This episode provides news and education, not personal medical advice. Some underlying studies were published before this week’s coverage. Research findings and company announcements are discussed with their limitations.
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
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Description
This week on Just MS News: Christina Applegate’s reported MS misdiagnosis, detailed Phase 3 results for remibrutinib, and early CAR-T findings that raise serious safety questions.
Join Justin Loizos for the week of October 20–26, 2026, as we explore what these stories mean for people living with multiple sclerosis—and what remains uncertain.
In this episode:
• Christina Applegate’s diagnosis questions: When an explanation changes but symptoms remain, where does that leave someone? We discuss her reported reassessment, the personal meaning of a diagnosis, and questions about access to specialists and diagnostic testing.
• Remibrutinib’s Phase 3 results: Following last week’s MSToronto2026 preview, we look at the detailed relapse results, disability findings and safety data—and why those outcomes need to be considered separately.
• CAR-T in MS: BMS’s early, uncontrolled Breakfree-2 study reported encouraging observations alongside serious complications and a participant’s death. We also revisit the separate Novartis programme paused after three deaths, keeping the treatments and findings clearly distinguished.
Our system collected 131 articles in the October 20–26 window when we checked: 76 successfully fetched, 38 unsuccessful fetches and 17 marked as paywalled. We shortlisted nine stories and selected three for this show. The Applegate story alone accounted for 45 articles, videos and posts.
Which questions stayed with you this week? Share them in the comments.
Subscribe for weekly MS news, research updates and conversations grounded in lived experience.
Website and newsletter:
https://www.JustMultipleSclerosis.com
Sources and further reading
Christina Applegate — ABC News:
https://abcnews.com/GMA/Culture/christina-applegate-misdiagnosed-ms/story?id=137407744
Remibrutinib — The Lancet:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)02058-1
Remibrutinib — NeurologyLive:
https://www.neurologylive.com/view/remibrutinib-lowers-relapse-rate-vs-teriflunomide-relapsing-ms
Remibrutinib — Novartis detailed results:
https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-remibrutinib-delivered-comprehensive-disease-control-phase-iii-rms-trials-proven-robust-safety-profile
BMS CAR-T safety coverage — BioSpace:
https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/bms-reveals-death-from-septic-pneumonia-of-multiple-sclerosis-patient-in-car-t-trial
Separate Novartis CAR-T programme — Reuters:
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novartis-pauses-autoimmune-cell-therapy-studies-after-deaths-wsj-reports-2026-09-01/
For information and discussion, not personal medical advice.
#MultipleSclerosis #MSNews #JustMSNews
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Send us Fan Mail
How can we better understand MS damage—and recognise progression when relapses aren’t happening?
This week on Just MS News, Justin Loizos explores new research into MS damage, GLP-1 drugs and progression beyond relapses, alongside more research and community headlines.
TOP THREE STORIES
MORE MS NEWS — THIS WEEK’S SHORTLIST
• NAC and brain imaging research
MedPage Today:
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/asfnr/123392
• Disparities in starting MS treatment
National MS Society:
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/dmt-initiation-disparities
• Vagus nerve stimulation and hand rehabilitation
NR Times:
https://nrtimes.co.uk/vagus-nerve-stimulation-may-improve-ms-hand-rehab-therapy25/
• B-cell therapy and antiviral immunity
Bioengineer.org:
https://bioengineer.org/b-cell-depletion-therapy-reshapes-antiviral-immunity-in-multiple-sclerosis-study-finds/
• Digital tracking of daily MS symptoms
Bioengineer.org:
https://bioengineer.org/digital-symptom-tracking-reveals-how-multiple-sclerosis-patients-really-fare-day-to-day/
• Community: Bike MS New York
CBS News New York:
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-bike-ms-road-closures-october-18-2026/
Which story stood out to you? Share your thoughts or experience in the comments.
More MS news and our newsletter:
https://www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Subscribe for weekly MS news, research and community stories.
Some linked sources may require a subscription or institutional access. Research findings and experimental approaches should not be taken as proof of treatment benefit.
For information and discussion, not personal medical advice.
#MultipleSclerosis #MSResearch #JustMSNews
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Send us Fan Mail
What can long-term treatment research tell us about living with MS—and what will it take to move myelin repair research forward?
This week on Just MS News, Justin Loizos explores three stories connecting treatment, research funding and the MS community.
OCREVUS: TEN-YEAR FINDINGS
We examine the ten-year OPERA follow-up published in JAMA Neurology, what it suggests about starting ocrelizumab earlier in relapsing MS, and the limitations of interpreting long-term extension data.
MYELIN REPAIR: THE FUNDING BEHIND THE RESEARCH
Rewind Therapeutics has announced additional financing for its experimental oral GPR17 program. We revisit the mouse findings, explain why funding matters, and distinguish promising preclinical research from evidence that a treatment helps people. This announcement reports no new human treatment results.
MSTORONTO2026: RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY
The joint ACTRIMS–ECTRIMS meeting comes to Toronto October 21–23. We preview upcoming research, including planned remibrutinib results, and highlight Patient Community Day on October 23, with in-person and online participation. I’m excited about the opportunity and hoping I can attend.
Disclosure: I have been taking Ocrevus for about four years and have worked with Roche on its co-creation council.
SOURCES AND EVENT INFORMATION
JAMA Neurology — Ten-year OPERA follow-up, Hauser and colleagues
Rewind Therapeutics — October 6 financing announcement
PLOS ONE — GPR17 preclinical study, De Herdt and colleagues
Novartis — Upcoming MSToronto2026 presentations
MSToronto2026 — Official conference website
Patient Community Day — Information and registration
What question would you most like MS researchers to answer? Share it in the comments, and subscribe for more Just MS News.
Episode covering October 6–12, 2026.
#MultipleSclerosis #MSNews #Ocrevus
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Send us Fan Mail
This week in Just MS News, we cover three important developments across the MS research pipeline.
The FDA has begun Priority Review of fenebrutinib for both relapsing MS and primary progressive MS, following three major Phase III trials.
We also revisit PRO-1562, a remyelination therapy we’ve followed before, as it moves from preclinical research into its first Phase 1/2a human study.
And researchers have identified a new inflammatory pathway involving HPGDS and PGD₂ that may help drive Th17-cell activity in MS. Human blood and cell findings supported the pathway, while blocking it reduced MS-like disease in mice.
Also on the shortlist this week:
• Continuing CAR-T safety questions in autoimmune trials
• The 2026 Rachel Horne Prize recognizing research on women and MS
• A&W Canada and MS Canada raising $1.56 million through Burgers to Beat MS
As always, the goal is to separate what the research actually shows from what it does not — without hype or information overload.
SOURCES & ARTICLES
FDA Begins Priority Review of Fenebrutinib for Relapsing and Primary Progressive MS
Source: BioPharma Dive
https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/roche-fenebrutinib-ms-fda-accept-application-btk/831746/
Primary source: Roche
https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2026-09-30
PRO-1562 Enters First Phase 1/2a Human Study Focused on Remyelination
Source: AllSci
https://allsci.com/news/clinical-trials/pro-1562-multiple-sclerosis-trial-progentos/
Targeting the HPGDS-PGD₂ Axis to Treat Th17 Cell-Mediated Autoimmunity in Multiple Sclerosis
Source: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy / Nature Portfolio
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-026-02937-5
Autoimmune Researchers Seek Answers After Deaths in CAR-T Cell Trials
Source: Medscape
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/autoimmune-researchers-seek-answers-after-deaths-car-t-cell-2026a10010xi
Recognising Excellence in Women’s MS Research — 2026 Rachel Horne Prize
Source: MS Trust
https://mstrust.org.uk/news/recognising-excellence-womens-ms-research
A&W and MS Canada Celebrate $1.56 Million Raised Through Burgers to Beat MS
Source: A&W Canada / MS Canada / Newswire
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Send us Fan Mail
This week in Just MS News:
Alpha-lipoic acid has passed an important interim checkpoint in the phase 3 OCTOPUS trial for progressive MS, while metformin will not continue. This does not yet prove ALA slows disability progression, but it has shown enough potential to keep testing.
A new Nature Medicine study also found EBV-related immune changes appearing roughly 30–90 days before confirmed MS relapses. The findings strengthen the link between EBV, B cells and MS activity, but do not prove EBV caused the relapses.
European regulators have recommended expanding Ocrevus to people aged 10+ with active relapsing MS. We also cover a newly cleared C-CAR168 CAR-T trial for progressive MS and early Manitoba research into NRG-1 and myelin repair.
SOURCES
OCTOPUS / Alpha-Lipoic Acid
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/sep/existing-drug-shows-early-promise-treat-progressive-ms
https://ms-octopus.mrcctu.ucl.ac.uk/
EBV Before MS Relapse — Nature Medicine
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04665-3
Ocrevus / Pediatric MS
https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2026-09-18
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/variation/ocrevus
C-CAR168 CAR-T / Progressive MS
https://www.neurologylive.com/view/fda-clears-c-car168-trial-refractory-progressive-multiple-sclerosis
NRG-1 / Manitoba Research
https://umtoday.ca/stories/potential-new-ms-treatment-may-restore-brain-function
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-72639-7
Just Multiple Sclerosis
https://justmultiplesclerosis.com
Just MS News is for education and discussion and is not medical advice. Discuss treatment decisions, supplements or changes to your care with your healthcare team.
#MultipleSclerosis #MSNews #ProgressiveMS #MSResearch #Ocrevus #EBV #CART #SPMS #PPMS
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Send us Fan Mail
This week on Just MS News, we look at new research examining three very different parts of living with multiple sclerosis.
Our lead story follows more than 500 newly diagnosed people with MS and compares early treatment strategies. B-cell-depleting therapies were linked with fewer relapses and less MRI activity — but after two years, researchers did not find a significant difference in disability.
We also examine new research into late-onset MS. In an Egyptian cohort, people whose MS began later in life experienced fewer relapses but reached confirmed disability progression sooner — highlighting why relapse activity does not always tell the whole story.
Then we look at MS fatigue. A study of people with relapsing-remitting MS found fatigue often appeared alongside poor sleep, pain, stress, anxiety, walking difficulties and heat sensitivity. The study shows associations, not cause and effect, but it raises an important practical question: what else may be adding to someone’s fatigue?
Plus, we finish with one more quick MS update.
Just MS News covers multiple sclerosis research carefully, without hype, with a focus on what the evidence actually means for people living with MS.
SOURCES & RESEARCH
Early MS treatment choices
Uibel P. et al.
Therapy Choices and Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis: The Pan-European MultipleMS Study
Neurology Open Access, September 2026
https://doi.org/10.1212/WN9.0000000000000168
Late-onset MS and disability progression
Fouad AM, Saad AA, Abd El-Aziz HM, Elelwany DA.
Late-Onset Versus Adult-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical, Radiological, and Confirmed Disability Progression
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, September 11, 2026
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2026.107923
MS fatigue and contributing factors
Naghilou S. et al.
Fatigue and contributing factors in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a descriptive study based on the comprehensive fatigue assessment battery for multiple sclerosis (CFAB-MS)
Neurological Sciences, August 27, 2026
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-026-09353-1
NR Times coverage, September 11, 2026:
https://nrtimes.co.uk/fatigue-in-relapsing-remitting-ms-linked-to-pain-sleep-stress-study-finds-care26/
This content is for education and discussion and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Treatment decisions should be discussed with your MS care team.
#MultipleSclerosis #MSResearch #MSNews #LivingWithMS
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Send us Fan Mail
This week on Just MS News, we lead with a difficult but important story: Novartis has paused eight CAR-T clinical trials after three patient deaths linked to severe immune reactions.
These are not simply numbers in a clinical trial or events affecting a company's share price. They were people who entered research hoping for something better. We look at what happened, what it may mean for CAR-T research in multiple sclerosis, and why patient safety has to remain at the centre of this conversation.
I also share some of my own perspective. Early in my MS journey, I was offered the possibility of HSCT and ultimately decided the risks were more than I was personally prepared to accept. Decisions involving experimental or high-risk treatments are deeply personal, and stories like this are a reminder of what patients are sometimes being asked to weigh.
A quick personal note: this week's episode is shorter than usual because I've been dealing with some of my own MS-related issues. Rather than miss the week entirely, I focused on our lead story and kept the remaining stories concise.
This week's stories and sources
1. Novartis halts eight CAR-T cell therapy trials after deaths
Source: EMJ GOLD
Read the original article
2. Remibrutinib reports positive Phase 3 results in relapsing MS
Source: Novartis
Read the Novartis announcement
3. In-vivo CAR-T shows early promise in autoimmune disease, including MS
Source: Nature
Read the Nature article
4. Targeted MS therapy uses patients' red blood cells to curb autoimmune attacks
Source: Medical Xpress
Read the article
5. Aging and cellular senescence as possible drivers of MS progression
Source: Journal of Neuroscience
Read the paper
6. DMTs associated with higher risk of some gynecologic complications
Source: NeurologyLive
Read the article
7. Real-world infection risk with B-cell-depleting MS therapy
Source: NEJM Clinician
Read the article
8. Researchers investigate shared biology behind profound fatigue
Source: Medical Xpress
Read the article
9. Funding boost for an EBV vaccine with possible future MS-prevention relevance
Source: National Tribune
Read the article
10. Genetic score may help predict lymphopenia risk with dimethyl fumarate
Source: NeurologyLive
Read the article
As always, Just MS News is about following the science without losing sight of the people behind it.
Subscribe for weekly multiple sclerosis news, research updates and patient perspective.
Sources and story selection are based on the September 1–7 weekly article collection.
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Send us Fan Mail
This week on Just MS News, we break down some of the most important multiple sclerosis research and developments from August 25–31, 2026.
Our top stories:
🚶 Everyday Walking Data & MS Progression
Researchers are looking at whether real-world walking measurements could help reveal MS progression earlier.
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Journal
🦠 EBV, MS & the Push for a Vaccine
The connection between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis continues to drive research into whether preventing EBV infection could ultimately help prevent MS.
Sources: Technology Networks / ClinicalTrials.gov
🧠 Recovery vs. Compensation in MS Rehabilitation
New rehabilitation research explores an important distinction: are people actually recovering neurological function, or learning better ways to compensate for impairment?
Source: International Journal of MS Care
Also in this week’s MS news: neurogenic bladder, treatment-access updates, MS nursing, BTK research in the central nervous system, family screening, distinguishing MS from MOGAD, and stories from people living and working in the MS community.
Just MS News cuts through the noise to focus on MS research, treatment, rehabilitation and the developments that matter to people living with multiple sclerosis.
👍 Like the video if you found it useful.
💬 Tell me which story you want me to explore further.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly MS news, interviews and deeper discussions.
For information and more Just MS content:
justmultiplesclerosis.com
This content is for educational and informational purposes and is not medical advice. Always discuss treatment or healthcare decisions with a qualified medical professional.
#MultipleSclerosis #MSResearch #MSNews #MultipleSclerosisResearch #MSAwareness #JustMSNews #LivingWithMS
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
Send us Fan Mail
This week on Just MS News, we’re focusing on two important areas of multiple sclerosis research: understanding progression and repairing damage.
👁️ Could your eyes reveal clues about MS progression?
Researchers are investigating whether measurements of retinal layers using OCT — optical coherence tomography — could help identify people at greater risk of future cognitive progression.
The study specifically looked at cognitive PIRA — progression independent of relapse activity — and raises an intriguing possibility: could a relatively simple eye scan eventually provide another window into what is happening elsewhere in the nervous system?
🧠 The race to repair myelin
Researchers in Germany are developing a transdermal patch designed to deliver low, steady doses of theophylline as a potential approach to promoting remyelination.
The patch has NOT been shown to repair myelin in people with MS. It remains experimental and is moving toward early human testing.
But the bigger story is how many different approaches researchers are now taking toward remyelination. We look at the new patch alongside some of the other myelin-repair research we’ve been following.
This week’s sources:
🔶 Retinal layers and cognitive progression in MS
https://visualize.jove.com/42562954-Retinal-layers-prognosticate-cognitive-progression-independent-of-relapse-activity-in-multiple-sclerosis
🔶 A Transdermal Patch to Promote Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Patients — Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
https://cnb-idn.biologie.uni-mainz.de/a-transdermal-patch-to-promote-remyelination-in-multiple-sclerosis-patients/
For the complete weekly MS news digest — including stories that don’t make the video — visit:
https://justmultiplesclerosis.com
Understand the progression. And, hopefully one day, repair the damage.
Just MS News provides news and information for the MS community and is not medical advice. Always discuss medical decisions with your healthcare team
The Just MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Show, w host Justin Loizos, is a podcast that connects, educates and tries to uplift others living with multiple sclerosis. It provides real-life stories, interviews, and information about DMTs (disease modification therapies) and updates on research developments.
www.justmultiplesclerosis.com
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A podcast about multiple sclerosis hosted by Justin Loizos. Each episode will explore the world of MS. This will either be done through interviews with MS stakeholders or with Justin providing…
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