Investigational Multiple Sclerosis Treatments to Watch in 2026
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks myelin, the protective coating surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin is essential for normal nerve signaling, and when it is damaged, communication between the brain and body becomes disrupted. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, balance problems, vision changes, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. MS typically begins in early adulthood and varies widely in how it progresses from person to person. Treatment decisions are further complicated by differences in disease subtype, severity, and individual response.
This article highlights multiple sclerosis clinical trials to watch in 2026, focusing on studies that are:
- recently registered or ongoing
- testing experimental treatments
- listed on public research registries
Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Being listed here does not mean a therapy works or is recommended. Clinical trial participation should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Below are five Multiple Sclerosis clinical trials involving experimental treatments that represent different research approaches.
2. Frexalimab (Anti-CD40L Antibody)
What is this study evaluating?
This study is evaluating frexalimab, an investigational antibody designed to reduce immune-driven inflammation in MS. The trial is assessing whether this therapy can reduce relapses and MRI disease activity while remaining safe for longer-term use.
Researchers are comparing outcomes in people receiving frexalimab to better understand how well it controls MS activity compared with other available treatments.
What impact could this study potentially have for patients?
If successful, frexalimab could offer a treatment that helps calm harmful immune activity without fully suppressing the immune system. For patients, this could provide another option if current MS medications are ineffective, not well tolerated, or no longer working as expected.
Study link:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04879628
3. KYV-101 (CD19 CAR-T Cell Therapy)
What is this study evaluating?
This study is evaluating KYV-101, an experimental CAR-T cell therapy being tested in people with MS whose disease continues to worsen despite multiple treatments. The study is primarily focused on safety, along with early signs of whether this therapy can reduce disease activity.
This is an early-stage clinical trial designed to understand whether this type of treatment can be safely used in MS.
What impact could this study potentially have for patients?
If this study shows encouraging results, it could suggest that a one-time immune-based therapy may offer longer-lasting disease control for some people with difficult-to-treat MS. For patients with aggressive or treatment-resistant disease, this approach could represent a very different option compared with ongoing medication, although more research is needed.
Study link:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06451159
4. CC-97540 (CD19 CAR-T Therapy)
What is this study evaluating?
This study is evaluating CC-97540, another CAR-T cell therapy designed to target immune cells involved in MS. The trial is examining safety, dosing, and early signs of how the therapy affects disease activity using MRI scans and clinical assessments.
Researchers are studying this treatment in different forms of MS to better understand who may benefit.
What impact could this study potentially have for patients?
This study could help determine whether CAR-T therapies might eventually be an option for a broader group of people with MS, including those with ongoing progression. For patients, the findings may clarify whether this approach could play a future role when standard treatments are no longer effective.
Study link:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06220201
5. Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (aHSCT)
What is this study evaluating?
This study is evaluating autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT), an intensive treatment approach aimed at resetting the immune system. The trial is comparing this procedure with best available MS therapies to better understand its effectiveness and risks.
Researchers are studying long-term outcomes, including disease stability and safety.
What impact could this study potentially have for patients?
If results are favorable, this study could help define when a one-time immune reset may be appropriate for people with very active MS. For selected patients, this approach could potentially lead to long periods of disease stability without ongoing MS medication, although it carries significant risks.
Study link:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04047628
Final Takeaway
These multiple sclerosis clinical trials to watch in 2026 show how MS research is moving beyond relapse prevention alone. Researchers are exploring whether new immune-based approaches can better control disease activity, slow progression, or provide longer-lasting benefits for people whose MS is not well controlled with current treatments.
BeyondMed.ai helps patients discover the latest publications, the latest clinical trials, and doctors involved in medical research using publicly available data.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. The information shared here summarizes publicly available research, clinical trials, and scientific developments and no guarantees are made regarding accuracy, completeness, or current relevance. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health-related decisions.