MS Research Roundup: June 2026
The multiple sclerosis research published in June 2026, explained in plain language. Studies are listed by how much they matter to people living with MS, most first.
The month at a glance
- 15 studies published this month.
- Newest study published June 30, 2026.
- 8 in people, 4 in the lab or in animals, 3 reviews of earlier research.
- Largest study: 1,766,170 people.
- Research from 39 institutions in 12 countries, including the University of Zürich, Washington University School of Medicine and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
- Forms of MS studied: relapsing-remitting (4), first attack (2), primary progressive (1).
- Of the 3 studies in people that tested a treatment, 1 reported a benefit and 1 had mixed results.
Studies published in June 2026
Ocrevus and rituximab had similar infection rates in MS
In a Swedish study of MS treatment, Ocrevus and rituximab had similar infection and relapse rates. Both had more infections than other MS drugs studied.
After heart surgery, fewer people with MS went home
In US hospital records, people with MS had similar death and complication rates after heart or major blood vessel surgery, but fewer went straight home afterward.
New tool predicts MS worsening after a first attack
A study of people after a first MS-like attack found a new tool predicted later attacks and disability worsening, though it was less accurate for some outcomes.
Blood immune cells predicted worse MS after a first attack
Researchers found blood immune cells linked to MS relapses. Higher levels at a first MS-like attack predicted a more severe course two years later.
Donated MS brains link tissue damage to disease severity
A study of 287 donated MS brains linked patterns of inflammation and nerve covering repair with genetic differences, damaged areas, and disease severity.
Review links a common virus to MS risk, not treatment
A review links Epstein-Barr virus to MS risk and describes how it may affect immune cells. Virus-focused treatments are under study, but their effects remain unknown.
Mavenclad caused lasting loss of inflammatory cells in MS
In people with relapsing MS, Mavenclad caused a lasting drop in inflammatory immune cells. Researchers also compared these cells in untreated people and donors.
Virus antibodies tracked MS flare-ups and brain lesions
A study linked certain Epstein-Barr virus antibodies to flare-ups or active brain lesions in people with relapsing-onset MS. It did not establish a cause.
Review examines immune cell webs in MS and brain disease
A review examines how webs released by immune cells may play a role in MS and other brain disorders. It does not show whether targeting them helps people with MS.
In mice, a particle treatment eased MS-like disease
In mice with an MS-like disease, particles attached to immune cells helped recovery and reduced inflammation without weakening their response to a virus.
High-fat, low-carb diet eased mouse nerve injury in MS study
A high-fat, low-carb diet eased nerve injury in mice after researchers disrupted fuel use in myelin-making cells. The pathway was also reduced in progressive MS.
Immune cells from people with MS showed distinct changes
A study of blood immune cells found gene activity differences linked to MS. These changes were clearer before cells were stimulated in a lab.
Review examines brain cells linked to MS progression
A review explores how support cells in the brain and spinal cord may play a role in MS progression, and discusses possible targets for future treatments.
Gut bacteria reduced MS-like disease severity in mice
In mice, a gut bacterium increased immune cells that calm inflammation. Sharing housing spread the bacteria and reduced the severity of MS-like disease.
MS-related myelin damage: two immune cell states in mice
In mice, researchers found two states of brain immune cells linked to damage to nerve covering. The study examined cell activity, not people with MS or treatments.
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