Sandra Vukusic Advances Women’s Health in MS Research

Multiple sclerosis affects roughly 3.1 million people worldwide, impacting women up to three times more frequently than men, according to recent epidemiological data. Because diagnosis typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, many female patients make reproductive decisions while managing their condition. Historically, clinical guidance warned against pregnancy due to concerns that it would worsen the disease.

Pregnancy Relapse Discoveries Shape Modern Clinical Guidance

That restrictive paradigm shifted following the prospective Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis study. Published initially in 2004, the research demonstrated that relapse frequencies drop during gestation—particularly throughout the final trimester—before experiencing a temporary rise in the first three postpartum months. Most patients avoided relapses entirely during the postpartum window, reverting eventually to their prepregnancy baseline.

Building on this foundation, Sandra Vukusic has spent more than two decades investigating women’s health dynamics within the specialty. As professor of neurology at the University of Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, and scientific coordinator of OFSEP, she spearheaded the 2022 French MS society recommendations. Those protocols comprehensively cover family planning, postpartum flare prevention, breastfeeding considerations, reproductive assistance, and disease-modifying therapy management.

International Recognition at the Upcoming ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Congress

In recognition of her extensive contributions, Vukusic was named the 2026 winner of the Rachel Horne Prize for Women’s Research in Multiple Sclerosis. The international accolade honors female scientists advancing research specifically dedicated to women’s health issues in the field. She will collect the $40,000 award on October 23, 2026, during the joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Congress taking place in Toronto, Canada.

“I am so truly delighted, honored and impressed to receive this international scientific award and to follow in the footsteps of such extraordinary researchers and clinicians. I am so grateful to Rachel Horne and her family for shining the spotlight on both women in science and women’s health. Women matter!”

Sandra Vukusic, MD, PhD