Today, we explore the new consensus recommendations to guide best practice management of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Australia and New Zealand, helping health professionals in these countries navigate a vastly changed and expanded MS treatment landscape.

As reported earlier this year, this new resource aims to help people living with MS and their care teams make informed decisions about treatment throughout the different life stages of MS. Led by Monash University, it was developed by a working group of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists, including MS Australia and our Member Organisation, MS Plus.

The lead authors join us to unpack the resource and share key takeaways, including the principles of starting therapy, treatment selection, pre-treatment tests, and monitoring MS activity during treatment. Additionally, indications for switching and the literature around discontinuing therapy, safety measures, and MS treatment in circumstances like pregnancy, MS relapses, and symptoms. Also, aspects of MS management beyond medication treatments, including allied health professionals and lifestyle factors like a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Also on the panel, a person with MS shares aspects of her lived experience, treatment journey, and interaction with the new consensus recommendations.

This concise resource to optimise patient care is available from the Medical Journal of Australia website as Part 1 and Part 2. A plain language summary and an infographic are also available. Our panel encourages MS community members in Australia and New Zealand to read and share the new consensus recommendations with their healthcare teams.

The resource supplements MS Australia's new Lifestyle Guides for people living with MS and health professionals, launched on World MS Day 2025.

Host: Dr Julia Morahan - Deputy CEO, MS Australia

Guests:

• Senior author: Associate Professor Mastura Monif - neurologist and researcher from the Monash University School of Translational Medicine and head of Alfred Health’s Neuroimmunology Service | The Monif Group
• Co-author: Associate Professor Douglas Johnson - Head of General Medicine and Infectious Disease Physician at the Royal Melbourne Hospital
• First author: Dr Jessica Shipley - PhD candidate, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University and MS and Neuroimmunology Fellow at Alfred Health 
• Lived experience of MS: Researcher, Associate Professor Darshini Ayton - School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University

In this powerful episode, we delve into the new Australian documentary, ‘Changing Track’, a non-fiction drama that follows three unique athletes on their journey to chase a Paralympic dream after trauma and disability forced their lives onto a new course. We are joined by the film's creators: Tristan Kenyon, Director and Writer, and Timothy Kenyon, Director of Photography, Writer, and Producer.

The Kenyon brothers discuss the genesis of the project and their narrative choice to focus on the human stories and the "why" behind their subjects' passion, rather than just the medals or times. They share how they built trust to tell these deeply personal stories and their hope that the film inspires anyone facing a dark point in their life to ‘change track’ and find a supportive community.

We also welcome Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder Emily Petricola OAM PLY, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at age 27. Emily shares her initial nervousness and emotional vulnerability in revealing her journey with MS, how cycling became a vital part of her life and a golden opportunity to use her platform to shine a light on the often-invisible struggles of living with a chronic disease, and the collaborative and supportive relationship she built with the filmmakers.

‘Changing Track’ is about more than sport; it’s a story about hope, community, and the resilience found on the other side of adversity.

In today’s episode, MS Australia Deputy CEO, Dr Julia Morahan and Head of Research, Dr Tennille Luker report on and unpack ECTRIMS 2025 – the world’s largest MS treatment and research congress. The recent event attracted over 9000 international delegates and serves as a crucial platform for researchers, clinicians and healthcare providers to collaborate on, explore and advance novel life-changing research and treatment options for people with MS.

Julia and Tennille contextualise and share their perspectives on the most exciting developments, clinical trials, BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitors, updated diagnostic criteria and more, presented at ECTRIMS 2025 under the theme of ‘a new era of precision’. The discussion also reflects on what these advances mean for the future of MS care and the people it impacts. Other focal points are the recently updated McDonald Diagnostic Criteria, research which could help provide even more personalised care and better predictions about disease progression, cutting-edge technologies, including AI and emergent therapies. Additionally, the episode spotlights paediatric MS, the exciting ‘late breaker’ sessions where some of the newest research findings are presented, and the patient community day.

Tune in for an in-depth look at how global experts are working together to shape the future of MS care and research.

For those who would like to watch the Patient Community Day sessions online, here is the link.

On The Raw Nerve today, we spotlight MS carers and the important issues they face, as we mark National Carers Week 2025.

Host Jeremy Henderson is joined by Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) members, Rebecca Small and Chloe Colles, who represent the important cohort of people caring for family members with MS.

While no two people experience MS in the same way, everyone needs support, and we want to talk about what it’s like to care for a family member living with MS.

Today’s guests:

• Rebecca Small cares for a family member with MS and sees how it impacts on a daily basis. Working as an Occupational Therapist in particular supporting people with Neurological Conditions including MS, Rebecca understands how MS impacts functional capacity. Rebecca also has significant experience with supporting people with MS to remain at home, complete home modifications and use complex assistive technology alongside advocating for carer support to align with their goals.
• Chloe Colles is a Disability Support Service Manager with a large not-for-profit organisation in Tasmania, where she is leading the expansion of services into new regions with a strong focus on person centred support and sustainable growth. Prior to this, she held an Executive Officer role supporting residents with neurological conditions and brain injuries, where she developed her skills in executive leadership.

Chloe brings professional experience from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, particularly in planning as a Local Area Coordinator. She has managed teams of support workers, overseen NDIS provider registration and auditing requirements, and delivered support coordination services.

Alongside her professional career, Chloe is a carer for her mother, who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this role, she has navigated the NDIS system firsthand — supporting her mother to access the scheme, connecting her with service providers, reviewing her plan, and advocating for her needs.

With a deep passion for disability awareness and a strong commitment to supporting others, Chloe combines her executive leadership experience, professional expertise, and lived experience as a carer to bring a valuable perspective to her role as an MS Australia LEEP member.

Today’s episode spotlights older people living with MS and the important issues they face, as we mark International Day of Older Persons 2025 which is celebrated annually on the first of October.

We hear from MS Australia Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) members, Vanessa Fanning and Gavin Harper, who represent the important cohort of older people living with multiple sclerosis.

International Day of Older Persons is dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of older people and addressing issues that affect their lives. This year’s theme is Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights.

MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, often diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40 and affects both women and men. While no two people experience MS in the same way, everyone ages, so we wanted to talk about what it’s like to be an older person living with MS.

Our guests discuss their diagnoses and lived experience with MS, navigating the aged care and NDIS systems, the important issues facing older people with MS, and their passion for advocacy.

Today’s guests:

• Vanessa Fanning lives with Progressive MS, is in her 70s and was diagnosed with MS in 1999.  Vanessa received a My Aged Care package which she surrendered after 12 months after it failed to meet her needs. Vanessa is deeply involved in research focusing on MS and engaged with the local MS Community in the ACT. Through her national and international roles, Vanessa has developed a wide and diverse network of people living with and affected by all forms of MS providing insight into the priorities and concerns of a range of people affected by MS.
  
• Gavin Harper has had MS since 1973. Over the past 50+ years he has experienced a wide range of symptoms which he thinks are quite typical of Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS). Gavin has extensive project management, Board, committee, and governance skills plus 50+ years of lived experience with MS, while living in four different countries. Gavin is co-chair of MS Australia MS Member Organisation, MSWA’s client co-design committee.

Today on The Raw Nerve we're taking you to Parliament House in Canberra for the Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA) Day of Action held on 4 September 2025 with over 100 members of the neurological community and Parliamentarians in attendance.

NAA Chair and CEO of MS Australia, Rohan Greenland presented the government with a Blueprint designed to inform and guide the development of Australia's first National Action Plan for Neurological Conditions, with economic modelling that shows such a Plan could actually save Australia $7 billion a year.

The Blueprint was developed by the Neurological Alliance Australia, working closely with people living with neurological and neuromuscular conditions, researchers, clinicians, industry, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and many others.

Australia has funded national action plans for other major disease groups – cancers, cardiovascular diseases and mental health. But there is no national action plan for the estimated seven million Australians living with some form of neurological condition and it’s time.

As our various speakers attest, a funded neurological action plan with clear goals and targets will save lives, improve quality of life and bring substantial economic benefits for the entire nation.

Our guests on today’s podcast:

• Senator Wendy Askew, Co-chair, Parliamentary Friends of Multiple Sclerosis
• Nicole Gaupset, General Manager, Alexion Pharmaceuticals
• Rohan Greenland, NAA Chair and CEO of MS Australia
• Jack Rowland, person living with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy

Join us for a special episode on women’s health and MS, hosted by Dr Tennille Luker, MS Australia’s Head of Research, exploring diagnosis and lived experience, mental health, work and chronic illness, pregnancy, midlife, menopause and MS research.

MS is the most common acquired neurological condition affecting young Australians and is three times more common in women than men. The reason for this is an enduring mystery of MS research and Dr Luker talks about some of the clues we have, to unravel this mystery.

This year’s Women’s Health Week theme is ‘Say yes to you’ and we look at how some of the daily themes (every check matters, take the lead, heart smart, pain to power and be kind to your mind) relate to MS and are experienced by women living with MS.

It’s important for women to stay up to date with health checks, arm themselves with the right knowledge and tools to get more out of health appointments and be aware of other health conditions that may intersect with MS. Seeking help for MS pain is vital and so is recognising that looking after your mind is as important as caring for your body. In the first instance, talk to your trusted healthcare team or contact your local MS organisation for support and advice. Also check out MS Australia’s new Living well with MS guide.

Today, we’re speaking with three fascinating women living very different lives but with MS as a common factor.

Our guests are:

• Samantha Seymour - Mental health counsellor and Psychotherapist from Newstart who lives with MS and works with women with MS
• Sally Irwin - MS Australia Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) member and Head of Data Change for HSBC Australia, facilitating the implementation of Regulatory and Procedural change as it relates to the bank’s usage and storage of data and who lives with MS
• Associate Professor Vilija Jokubaitis - MS Researcher | Deputy Head of the Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine at Monash University and Neuroimmunology Genomics, Prognostics and Women's Health Group Lead, who is recruiting to her current project The Multiple Sclerosis Australian Women’s Midlife Years (MS-AMY) Study

MS Australia CEO Rohan Greenland sits down with Dr Lydia Makaroff, Chief Executive of the MS International Federation (MSIF), during her visit to Australia. Lydia shares insights from her first six months leading the MSIF.

They explore the global challenges and opportunities in MS advocacy, including the importance of accurate prevalence data, capacity building in low-resource regions, and the push for early diagnosis. Lydia discusses MSIF’s role in convening international research efforts, integrating lived experience into decision-making, and supporting the WHO’s global action plan for neurological conditions.

From grassroots volunteer-led organisations to large national bodies, Lydia highlights the power of collaboration and shared learning in the fight for a world without MS.

The MS community is brimming with extraordinary people whose remarkable efforts inspire us all. Today on The Raw Nerve, we celebrate some of these outstanding individuals and discuss why and how to nominate someone special for the 2025 MS Australia Awards.

We talk with the recipients of our 2024 Awards who have made incredible contributions for and out in the Australian MS community.

You will hear about the prestigious John Studdy Award and our new Research Award and Advocacy Award, which shine a light on people doing wonderful things.

Our guests talk about their passion for giving back, as well as the deep significance of their awards and you will hear how you can nominate, recognise and applaud someone you know for their remarkable contributions.

The MS Australia Awards spotlight the amazing people, local heroes and those humble, ‘quiet achievers’ driving change, compassion, and progress across the MS community. From dedicated researchers, passionate advocates, volunteers, and carers to longtime champions whose impact spans a decade or more, these awards recognise individuals, many living with MS, whose efforts uplift, empower, and inspire. To nominate someone for the 2025 MS Research Award and/or the MS Advocacy Award, complete the online form on our website by Sunday 7 September.

Our guests today are:

• Lynda Whitton – MS Australia 2024 John Studdy Award Winner from Bunbury, Western Australia
• Professor Jeannette Lechner-Scott - Senior staff specialist and Conjoint Professor, John Hunter Medical Research Institute, MS Australia Board Director and MS Australia 2024 MS Research Award Winner from Newcastle, New South Wales
• Marianne Gaul AM - MS Australia 2024 MS Advocacy Award Winner, MS Plus Peer Support champion and enthusiastic participant and fundraiser for The May 50K from Tamworth, New South Wales
• Sharlene Brown - MS Australia Board Director, Chair of the MS Australia Awards Committee (which includes the John Studdy Award) and Chair of the Advocacy Committee

All four have extensive and deep connections to MS and the MS community.

Today on The Raw Nerve we spotlight our newly launched 2025 Incubator Grant round, which supports out-of-the-box ideas aimed at opening new directions in multiple sclerosis (MS) research. 

MS Australia has funded four exciting projects targeting MS research priorities – including causes and prevention, better treatments and cures via repair and regeneration of cells.

Join us on the Raw Nerve, as we delve into these exciting new research projects and talk with three of the researchers about their work.
Dr Laura Laslett from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania is investigating whether smartwatches and the MySymptoMS app can effectively monitor sleep and symptoms in people with MS over extended periods. Dr Laslett is recruiting for participants and is keen to hear from people living with MS in Southern Tasmania via this link: Collecting better data on sleep in people with MS: Screening Survey

Dr Monokesh Sen from the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney is investigating whether macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs), tiny messengers released by immune cells, can support myelin repair in MS. 

Dr David Stacey from the University of South Australia is leading a world-first Australian study using DNA to identify a person’s genetic risk of developing MS to understand how their immune system responds to a common virus linked to the disease. 

And joining with us to help unpack this work and its impact and that our of our fourth Incubator Grant Recipient, Dr Alastair Fortune, from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania: Are brain vascular cells dysfunctional in MS?, and to discuss the MS Australia research program, is MS Australia’s newly appointed Head of Research Dr Tennille Luker.

Additional Glossary

• MS Australia Brain Bank
  
• 
  MS WIRE - MS Australia’s monthly newsletter
• Central nervous system - the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves
• PBMC - peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• Size exclusion chromatography – technique used to separate molecules based on their size
• Oligodendrocytes - the cell in the central nervous system that makes myelin