Welcome to IDEA Collider with your host, Rick Ritacco. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Tardio, President and COO of Immunic, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment. For 30 years, MS therapies have primarily focused on controlling inflammation and visible relapses. Jason argues it’s time to look deeper and address the ongoing neurodegeneration driving long-term disability, known as Progression Independent of Relapse Activity (PIRA).

We explore Immunic’s investigational therapy, vidofludimus calcium, and its unique dual-mechanism approach: acting as a DHODH inhibitor for anti-inflammatory benefits while also activating the Nurr1 nuclear receptor to potentially provide direct neuroprotection. Jason shares insights from the EMPHASIS and CALIBER clinical trials, discusses why the industry needs safer immunomodulators rather than just broad immunosuppressants (especially as the MS population ages), and shares a fascinating biological link between MS remission during pregnancy and Nurr1 levels.

Tune in to hear what the next 10 to 15 years might hold for MS patients, including the ultimate goals of halting progression entirely and achieving remyelination.