What did scientists discover about multiple sclerosis using AI?

Scientists discovered two new biological subtypes of multiple sclerosis, 'early sNfL' and 'late sNfL', using AI.

How will AI help treat multiple sclerosis patients?

AI helps doctors understand individual disease pathways, predict risks, and offer personalized treatments based on biological subtypes.

What data did the UCL and Queen Square Analytics team use?

The team used blood tests measuring sNfL protein levels and brain MRI scans, analyzed by an AI model called SuStaIn.

Home / Science / AI Uncovers New MS Subtypes

AI Uncovers New MS Subtypes

1 Jan

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Summary

AI identified two new biological subtypes of multiple sclerosis.
Discovery paves way for personalized treatments and better outcomes.
Blood tests and MRI scans combined with AI enabled breakthrough.

Scientists have utilized artificial intelligence to identify two distinct biological subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS), a development expected to transform patient treatment strategies. This groundbreaking research, involving a cohort of 600 individuals, leveraged AI to analyze serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels in blood and brain MRI scans. The analysis revealed two primary patterns: 'early sNfL,' characterized by high initial sNfL levels and rapid damage in the corpus callosum, and 'late sNfL,' where brain shrinkage precedes elevated sNfL.

This AI-driven discovery, published in the journal Brain, signifies a major leap beyond current MS classifications based on symptoms alone. Researchers believe these new subtypes will allow clinicians to precisely gauge a patient's disease progression and risk of complications. Consequently, individuals can receive more personalized care, including monitoring and targeted treatments, potentially averting aggressive disease trajectories or offering neuroprotective therapies sooner.