{
  "id": 15610046,
  "title": "The multiple sclerosis gap Europe cannot afford to ignore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/the-multiple-sclerosis-gap-europe-cannot-afford-to-ignore",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-19T12:08:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/sponsored-content/the-multiple-sclerosis-gap-europe-cannot-afford-to-ignore/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Europe is facing a pressing challenge as it grapples with the burden of neurological diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). A recent briefing by the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health highlights a significant measurement gap that is impeding efforts to address this issue effectively. The study emphasizes that current tools used to measure MS disability do not fully capture the experiences of individuals living with the disease. For example, a woman in her mid-30s with \"stable\" MS has been struggling with sleep, memory loss, and reduced work hours, yet her clinical notes indicate no change. This case study is not unique, as over 3 million people worldwide live with MS, with Europe having the highest prevalence at 133 per 100,000 people. The impact of MS is most pronounced during prime working years, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals navigating a progressive and unpredictable disease at a critical stage. While the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) has been the primary tool for assessing MS disability since 1983, research now shows that it fails to capture the broader impact of the disease, such as fatigue and cognitive difficulties. These issues are prevalent among people with MS but are not accounted for in the EDSS assessment. The measurement gap extends beyond the clinic, affecting health systems' ability to accurately assess needs and support individuals with MS. This oversight can lead to delays in support, overlooking the broader effects on work, welfare, and family life. The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform reports that people with MS experience an average of 14 symptoms within the first five years of diagnosis, including fatigue, sensory problems, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and balance problems. The Smouldering Associated Worsening (SAW) Index, currently under development by Sanofi, aims to address this gap by providing a more comprehensive measurement framework that reflects the lived experiences of people with MS. The SAW Index seeks to bridge the gap between clinical tools and patients' realities, potentially leading to better outcomes for those affected by MS. The societal and economic costs of MS progressions are substantial, with lifetime productivity losses ranging from €394,000 in France to €668,000 in Germany. As the disease progresses, indirect costs such as lost wages, absenteeism, early retirement, disability payments, and the burden on unpaid caregivers become more significant. Early identification of disease progression could mitigate these costs, preserving household income and reducing long-term dependence on disability and social benefits. While there has been progress in MS care, such as earlier diagnosis and expanded treatment options, there is still momentum needed to align policy with these advancements. Improved measurement is crucial for ensuring that health spending delivers lasting value, transforming investments in independence, participation, productivity, and more sustainable health systems. The European Parliament’s SANT Committee has called for a fully funded European neurological health plan to address this pressing issue.",
  "summary": "Providing the right support and treatment starts with measurement. Current tools do not reflect the lived reality of MS patients and miss early signs of progression.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}