FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON March 26, 2014
University of Chicago Neurologist Awarded Dystel Prize for MS Research
PHILADELPHIA -
The (AAN) and the are awarding the 2014 John Dystel Prize for MS Research to Barry G. Arnason, MD, James Nelson and Anna Louise Raymond Professor of Neurology with the University of Chicago. Arnason will receive the award at the Academy鈥檚 66th in Philadelphia, April 26-May 3, 2014. The Annual Meeting is the world鈥檚 largest gathering of neurologists with more than 12,000 attendees and more than 2,500 scientific presentations on the latest research advancements in brain disease. The John Dystel Prize recognizes a significant contribution to research in the understanding, treatment or prevention of multiple sclerosis (MS). Arnason鈥檚 research focuses on the role of T cells in MS. He discovered in early trials that T cells are very important in the development of the disease. Arnason was also instrumental in finding a link between MS and the nicotinic receptor, a neurotransmitter in the brain. At this year鈥檚 AAN Annual Meeting, Arnason will discuss the still evolving role of T cells and tissue damage in relapsing-remitting MS. 鈥淭he more we learn about how certain neurotransmitters may be involved in the development and progression of MS, the higher the possibilities for finding new treatments and prevention methods for this disease,鈥 said Arnason. 鈥淚 am very much pleased, honored and humbled to be receiving this award.鈥 This award is made possible through a special contribution from the John Dystel Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Learn more about multiple sclerosis at .