MSDA Test Helps Guide Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Decisions, Study Finds

Researchers examined the clinical utility of the MS Disease Activity (MSDA) test, a blood-based biomarker panel designed to assist in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings suggest that MSDA testing influences treatment decisions and may enhance personalized care for patients with MS.

The MSDA test is a commercially available tool that measures 18 proteins related to MS disease pathways. It generates an overall disease activity (DA) score ranging from 1.0 to 10.0, with categories indicating low, moderate, or high disease activity. By assessing key biological pathways—immunomodulation, neuroinflammation, myelin biology, and neuroaxonal integrity—the test provides clinicians with objective insights to inform treatment strategies.

The study, which involved 20 clinicians from 14 clinics, analyzed 350 patient charts, incorporating 722 MSDA test results. Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review to evaluate clinician decision-making before and after MSDA testing. The results revealed that 19.4% of treatment decisions changed following MSDA testing, surpassing predefined benchmarks.

Clinicians also reported a stronger influence of the MSDA test when multiple longitudinal results were available. Among those surveyed, 69.2% agreed or strongly agreed that MSDA results impacted their decision-making in cases with multiple test results (P < 0.001). This was higher compared to cases where only a single result was available (59.8%, P = 0.217).

These findings suggest that MSDA testing can enhance MS treatment strategies by providing clinicians with objective, biomarker-based assessments. Regular use of the test appears to improve confidence in decision-making, supporting its integration into real-world MS management. The study underscores the growing role of blood-based biomarkers in optimizing treatment plans and improving patient outcomes in MS.

Reference

Sanchez A, Sheng E, Eagleman S, et al. Real-world Clinical Utility of a Multi-protein, Blood-based Biomarker Assay for Disease Activity Assessments in Multiple Sclerosis. Presented at: 2025 ACTRIMS Forum; February 27-March 1; West Palm, Beach, FL; Abstract P029.