LOS ANGELES, CA, March 16, 2026 — Nancy Davis, the visionary force behind Race to Erase MS and MS warrior, is proud to announce the 2025-2026 class of grant awardees, a “Dream Team” of scientific luminaries’ hand-selected to guide research and innovation toward a world without Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These prestigious grants represent more than mere funding; they are an investment in the brilliance and audacity required to transform the landscape of neurological medicine.
With a discerning eye for innovation, Race to Erase MS bestows Young Investigator Awards ($60,000 annually for two years) and Innovation Awards ($60,000 for one year) to those whose research promises to shatter existing paradigms. Each proposal undergoes a rigorous trial by the Scientific Advisory Board, ensuring that only the most groundbreaking and novel inquiries receive financial support.
“Race to Erase MS funding provides critical support for innovation and junior investigators in MS research,” said Emmanuelle Waubant, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Race to Erase MS and Professor of Neurology at UCSF. “Nancy’s vision to bolster the career of the next generation of scientists will directly advance MS care.”
Jack Antel, MD, Professor at McGill University and Director of the Race to Erase MS Scientific Advisory Board, added: “This year’s awards will drive new discoveries into the causes and progression of multiple sclerosis and help translate these findings into meaningful approaches for prevention and treatment. The Foundation’s proven track record demonstrates how investing in Young Investigators accelerates innovation and scientific success.”
The foundation further bolsters this mission by championing the North American Imaging in MS Cooperative (NAIMS), a pioneering network dedicated to the art and science of state-of-the-art MRI research founded by Race to Erase MS.This year’s laureates were chosen for their exceptional contributions to the Center Without Walls program, a world-renowned collective weaving together the intellectual leaders of Hopkins, UCSF, USC, UCLA, and OHSU.
“When I was first diagnosed, the horizon was dark—there was no hope and no treatment. Today, through our collective fire and unwavering resolve, we have witnessed the birth of 24 miracle medications,” said Nancy Davis. “Our race will not cease until the shadow of MS is erased forever. I am profoundly honored to champion these brilliant minds as they sprint toward the finish line of a cure.”
The 2025-2026 Grant Awardees for Innovation and Young Investigator are:
Ben Emery, PhD, Oregon Health & Science University
Neuronal metabolic changes in response to demyelination
Myelin is a protective layer that allows electrical signals to travel through the brain. In MS, this insulation is destroyed. Dr. Emery’s study investigates how neurons change their energy production to cope with this loss and whether these changes make them more vulnerable over time. The goal is to identify new ways to protect neurons and slow disease progression.
Joseph Sabatino, MD, PhD, University of California San Francisco
Relationship of EBV reactivation and anti-EBV immunity in long-term MS outcomes
While Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a known risk factor for MS, its role after diagnosis is unclear. Dr. Sabatino will study whether EBV reactivation triggers inflammation in patients with worsening outcomes, potentially leading to new ways to treat or even prevent MS.
Ellen M. Mowry, M.D., M.C.R., Johns Hopkins University
Wearable devices to accelerate the development of new therapies for progressive MS
Traditional scales for measuring disability can be imprecise. Dr. Mowry’s team will evaluate if scalable commercial devices, like Fitbits, can reliably capture disability worsening and brain atrophy. This could significantly accelerate clinical trials for progressive MS treatments.
Rhonda Voskuhl, MD, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Sex-Aging-APOE4 Interactions in Neurodegeneration: A Region-Specific Approach
With women outnumbering men with MS 3:1, Dr. Voskuhl is investigating how the APOE4 gene interacts with aging and biological sex to drive neurodegeneration. This research aims to uncover region-specific treatments for the progression of disability.
Marjan Gharagozloo, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
Investigating the Regulatory Role of NLRX1 in Reactive Astrocytes to Mitigate Neurodegeneration
Dr. Gharagozloo is exploring how the mitochondrial protein NLRX1 can protect neurons from inflammatory injury. By enhancing NLRX1 activity, this research seeks to uncover novel neuroprotective pathways for progressive MS.
Christopher Orlando, MD, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Factors Associated with Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Timely diagnosis is critical, yet many face barriers. Dr. Orlando will examine how insurance, distance to care, and physician specialization impact diagnosis speed. Notably, studies show that Black and Hispanic patients often experience longer delays in diagnosis and higher disability scores at the time of first treatment compared to white patients. Dr. Orlando’s goal is to design interventions to ensure equitable and timely treatment for all.
About Race to Erase MS:
Founded by Nancy Davis in 1993, Race to Erase MS is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of Multiple Sclerosis. The foundation has raised over $58 million and has been instrumental in the development of 24 FDA-approved therapies. All funds raised support the Center Without Walls program, a nationwide collaboration of physicians and scientists working as a team to accelerate breakthroughs and eradicate MS. www.erasems.org
Media Contact:
Denise Finnegan
T: 646.431.7663
