image: Mikael Simons, MD – Recipient of the 2024 Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research
Credit: Dr. Mikael Simons
[New York, January 31, 2025] – Mikael Simons, MD, a neurologist and researcher at Technical University Munich and the Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Munich, Germany is the winner of the 2024 Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research, which is administered by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He is being recognized for his pioneering research on myelin biology, glial cell biology, and neuroinflammation that continues to inform Pathways to MS Cures. He will deliver the Barancik Prize Lecture at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ACTRIMS) Forum on February 28, 2025.
Trained in basic cell biology, his early research focused on understanding the fundamentals of myelin biology – how it is built and maintained. Myelin is the substance that insulates nerve fibers and is a target of the immune response that occurs in MS. This research led to a quest to understand myelin repair in the context of demyelinating diseases like MS. His work has helped illustrate why myelin repair fails, how myelin aging drives chronic inflammation, and how chronic inflammation is linked to the development and progression of MS. What began as a career in basic science research has now led to the identification of a promising therapeutic target with potential to benefit people with MS.
“We are thrilled to award Dr. Simons with the Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research,” said Bruce Bebo, PhD, and Executive Vice President of Research at the National MS Society. “He is a big thinker who follows the science and isn’t afraid to take risks. His work in myelin biology uncovered fundamental information regarding questions that went unanswered for decades. Now, his research is leading to new ways of thinking about myelin repair and therapeutic interventions, while also highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to science. I’m excited to see how his work will continue to shape our understanding of MS and help us restore function to people with MS.”
A selection of his many research contributions include:
- Myelin formation and maintenance: Dr. Simons was the first to illustrate the biological processes responsible for creating, shaping, and maintaining the myelin sheath. This fundamental knowledge laid the groundwork for subsequent research on myelin repair that is happening around the world.
- Myelin repair: Myelin repair occurs naturally but is often ineffective with aging or disease. Dr. Simons’ research revealed some reasons for this. He found that after myelin damage, cholesterol-rich myelin debris is unable to be “digested” properly by brain cells known as microglia. The result is lipid overload, a chronic state of active inflammation, and an impaired ability to support myelin repair. Subsequent studies identified specific genes responsible for the reduced ability to repair myelin and showed that by increasing their activity in microglia, myelin debris clearance and lesion repair were improved. Together, these studies identified a potential mechanism for why myelin repair fails and pathways that can be targeted pharmaceutically to restart the process.
- Drivers of chronic inflammation and therapeutic targets: Dr. Simons characterized a specific immune cell type (CD8+ tissue-resident T cells) as major contributors to chronic inflammation because they activate neighboring microglia. In response to signals from these T cells, microglia shift to a toxic state, kill oligodendrocytes (the cells that make myelin), and interfere with myelin repair. In an animal model of myelin damage, Dr. Simons’ group found that treatment with an FDA-approved drug that interferes with the signals was able to reduce microglial activity and myelin damage. This has direct clinical implications for treating myelin damage and is the basis of a phase 2 clinical trial in people with MS that is in the planning stages.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the Barancik Prize and sincerely thankful to the committee for recognizing the collaborative efforts of my team, which made this accomplishment possible,” commented Dr. Simons. “My goal has always been to discover fundamental biological mechanisms and apply these insights to enhance our understanding and treatment of MS. The type of innovation I value most breaks boundaries to open the door to new opportunities.”
In receiving this award, Simons joins an esteemed group of researchers whose scientific contributions are enhancing our understanding of MS and accelerating progress towards better treatments and cures. Dr. Simons will be formally honored and deliver the Barancik Prize Lecture at the ACTRIMS Forum on February 28, 2025.
Biosketch: Dr. Simons earned his degree in Medicine from the University of Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany. He completed his Neurology residency at the University of Tübingen and joined the University of Göttingen in 2004 – serving as Junior Group Leader, neurologist and Head of the Multiple Sclerosis outpatient clinic, and Professor of Neurology. Since 2016, he has served as Professor and Director of the Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology at the Technical University of Munich and Group Leader at the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Munich (DZNE). In 2020, he was appointed Head of Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Unit at the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Dr. Simons has contributed to over 150 scientific manuscripts and published in many esteemed journals, including Cell, Science, Immunity, and Nature Neuroscience, among others. Dr. Simons is a passionate educator and is enthusiastic about mentoring the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
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About the Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research: The Barancik Prize seeks to recognize and encourage exceptional innovation and originality in scientific research relevant to multiple sclerosis, with emphasis on impact and potential of the research to lead to pathways for the treatment and cure for MS, and scientific accomplishments that merit recognition as a future leader in MS research. The international prize is administered through the National MS Society and made possible by the generosity of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.
About Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.