What is iConquerMS™?

iConquerMS™ is a new way to fight multiple sclerosis.

There have been many advances in the fight against MS in recent years, but so much more needs to be done. There are now 20+ FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments available. But there is still so much we don’t know about the disease, such as the underlying causes of MS, why some treatments work in certain individuals but not others, and why the disease progresses at different rates in different people.  And this is where you come in.

 

iConquerMS™ is different.

People living with MS are the heart and soul of iConquerMS™.

iConquerMS™ empowers all people living with MS to participate in research. Unlike other data-gathering programs, iConquerMS™ is governed and driven by people living with MS. 

iConquerMS™ is also a bridge, connecting you and others living with MS to the research community. You can suggest research topics and questions in areas that matter to you. You will also receive updates on what researchers are learning from all the collected data. 

iConquerMS™ is not a stand-alone effort. iConquerMS™ is part of a national research network called PCORnet that will enable collaborative partnerships to improve healthcare and advance medical knowledge in ways never before possible in the United States.

All kinds of people from around the country have been involved at every step of the initiative, from the original idea to the creation of this website to the development of a national campaign.

At any time, you can provide feedback about this website and the entire iConquerMS™ initiative.

 

iConquerMS™ puts you in the center. 

You can easily and privately take surveys about your daily experiences and symptoms, and share your medical records. Then we pool your information with similar information from thousands of others living with MS. Throughout the process of collecting and storing information, we’ll take all appropriate steps to protect your privacy and safeguard your identity.

Researchers can use the collected data to detect patterns that would not be visible otherwise. And then, use these patterns and insights to figure out the causes of MS, determine who will respond best to various treatments, and find new improved treatments for the disease.

iConquerMS™ is a bridge between you and the research community, so you can share your ideas about worthy research topics and pose research questions. 

 

iConquerMS™ is ambitious, so we need all kinds of people to participate.

We are seeking tens of thousands of participants from all parts of the country, from all backgrounds and ethnic groups, and of all ages and stages of living with multiple sclerosis. With this diversity, researchers can dive deep into the workings of MS to find out the causes of the disease and uncover potential new treatments. iConquerMS™ needs as many people living with MS as possible to participate in this program.

By sharing health information and ideas, you drive research forward.

We need the power of your data.

 

iConquerMS™ is supported by leading organizations. 

iConquerMS™ was launched by the Accelerated Cure Project for MS, a nonprofit organization with proven experience in developing and sharing resources with MS researchers worldwide. Other organizations have partnered with ACP to make the iConquerMS™ vision a reality.

The initial 18-month funding for iConquerMS™ is provided by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. PCORI’s mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers, and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions.

iConquerMS™ is supported by major MS membership and advocacy organizations in the United States, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF), Can Do Multiple Sclerosis (Can Do MS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). In addition, the Personalized Medicine Coalition supports the aims of iConquerMS™. 

The nine MS clinics in the Accelerated Cure Project network have contributed their expertise and resources, and will help lead the iConquerMS™ data collection and research activities as other MS clinics become involved.