The Commission is aware of the work of Professor Zamboni(1),(2) on a possible relationship between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). Currently, researchers around the world are developing research protocols to verify if and how CCSVI may relate to MS. Preliminary results reported so far are not yet conclusive(3).
The European Union has been supporting research on MS for several years. The previous Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP6, 2002-06), supported the NeuroproMiSe(4) project with a EUR 11.4 million EU contribution. The current Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7, 2007-13) is supporting about 20 projects performing research on the pathophysiological mechanisms of MS, on the biological processes of myelination/re-myelination, as well as on the autoimmunity processes related to MS (e.g. SYBILLA project(5)) for a total of more than EUR 20 million. In addition, a project aiming at new therapeutic targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis is currently under negotiation.
In addition, the Health Programme (2008-13) supports the project ‘Multiple Sclerosis — Information Dividend’ to strengthen the knowledge of and the political support to the Code of Good Practice on MS(6), the creation of the MS Barometer(7) and the organisation of the First European Conference on MS; the work plan 2010 for the implementation of the Health Programme offered funding for a feasibility study on the creation of a European Register on MS(8).
To be considered for a financial support by the European Union, the current trial ‘Brain Venous Drainage Exploited against Multiple Sclerosis’ (‘Brave Dreams’)(9) would need first to submit a proposal to one of the EU calls for proposals(10) published under the FP7. Those calls are competitive (i.e. proposals are competing with each other in a given area) and aim at supporting excellence. Strict eligibility criteria apply (11) and projects are selected on the basis of an external independent peer-review-based evaluation procedure following rigorous criteria (science and technological excellence, management, impact). Currently, no EU funds are dedicated to support the trial ‘Brave Dreams’ and the Commission does not have any specific information on the detailed public and private funding sources of this trial.
