HITMS

Health Research Innovation Team in Multiple Sclerosis

Rational: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS); and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 18-40. Although several effective drug treatments are available to control relapses, the disease remains the most disabling neurological disorder among young adults in Canada.

An estimated 100,000 Canadians are living with MS; Atlantic Canada has a high incidence and there are approximately 1200 people in Newfoundland and Labrador with MS. An individual’s experience with MS is unpredictable and the underlying mechanisms responsible for the conversion to a more progressive form of the disease are not well understood.

At present, most MS clinics in Canada routinely collect clinical information, which is used in research to understand the epidemiological features of MS. In addition to this data, in Newfoundland and Labrador, we also utilize highly sophisticated and sensitive biological-based methods to monitor disease progression in MS patients with the aim to develop better interventions and therapies.

Study description: HITMS is a unique partnership between researchers and clinicians in Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of HITMS is to collect longitudinal data covering disease symptoms, neuro-immune and blood profiles, MRI imaging profiles, and physical and cognitive performance among people living with MS. This data, together with biological samples, are carefully stored and enables HITMS researchers, collaborators, and clinicians to investigate key demographic and biologically-relevant questions related to MS.

As of 2026, >400 individuals with MS in Newfoundland and Labrador have been enrolled in HITMS and other related studies, which has led to multiple peer-reviewed publications (see below), conference abstracts/presentations, research funding, and research opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate learners within Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine. Through research engagement and participation, individuals impacted by MS are making a significant contribution to advancing our current knowledge of MS, including its causes, diagnostic approaches, how to best measure disease activity over time, and the identification of optimal/personalized treatments.

HITMS consists of annual or biannual data collection in the following four major subsections:

1. Clinical Profile: Performed within Newfoundland Health Services (NLHS), MS neurologists and clinical staff may ask eligible patients to consent to participate in HITMS. The patient’s relevant medical history, level of disability, and other routinely collected demographic information will be recorded.
2. Neuroimmune Profile: Immediately following the clinical visit, a research nurse will provide questionnaires for the patient to complete about their overall well-being and a blood sample will be collected to investigate potential disease-relevant biomarkers related to inflammation and neurodegeneration.
3. Physical/Cognitive Profile: Performed during an additional visit to the Recovery and Performance laboratory at the L.A. Miller Centre (St. John’s) will be measured. Highly sensitive measures related to various aspects related to physical and cognitive health will be recorded.
4. MRI Profile: All MRI reports will be recorded and analyzed independently or in association with clinical data, neuro-immune, and physical and cognitive profiles.

Study participants may consent to one, two, three, or all four profiles. All data within the HITMS study is de-identified for research purposes and individuals are free to withdrawal their involvement at any time.

Participation in HITMS is voluntary and all data is collected with informed consent.

Interested in participating?

If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and are interested in joining the HITMS study, we would love to hear from you. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and involves periodic clinical visits at our research site in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

To participate in the study please contact Dr. Craig Moore (craig.moore@mun.ca).