Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center Update in Multiple Sclerosis 2025

The Mellen Center Update in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the annual flagship conference hosted by the Cleveland Clinic’s world-renowned Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research. The 2025 edition was particularly significant as it focused on the 2024 Revisions to the McDonald Criteria, which represent the first major update to MS diagnostic guidelines in nearly a decade. 
Held as a hybrid event, the course was designed to help clinicians navigate the rapidly changing landscape of MS care, moving from “active vs. non-active” disease classifications to a more nuanced understanding of “Smoldering MS” and Progression Independent of Relapse Activity (PIRA). 
2. What You Will Learn
The curriculum focused on integrating new diagnostic standards and therapeutic targets into daily practice. Key learning outcomes included:

The New Diagnostic Standard: A detailed breakdown of the 2024 McDonald Criteria, specifically how the integration of optic nerve involvement and radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) changes early diagnosis.

“Smoldering” MS: Understanding PIRA (Progression Independent of Relapse Activity) and how to identify patients who are getting worse despite having no new MRI lesions.

Emerging Therapies: The latest data on BTK Inhibitors (Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase) and their potential to treat progressive forms of the disease by targeting microglia.

Biomarkers: The clinical utility of Serum Neurofilament Light Chain (sNfL) and the “Central Vein Sign” on MRI to differentiate MS from mimics.

Rehabilitation: Evidence-based protocols for high-intensity aerobic exercise and intermittent fasting as neuroprotective strategies.

3. Event Details

Event: Mellen Center Update in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 2025  

Date: June 20, 2025 (Friday)  

Location: InterContinental Hotel and Conference Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Format: Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual Livestream).

Host: Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center.

4. Who Should Attend

Neurologists: Specifically those treating general neurology patients who need to stay current with the new diagnostic criteria.

Advanced Practice Providers (NPs/PAs): Who manage the long-term symptom burden of MS patients.

Rehabilitation Specialists (PT/OT): Interested in the specific “Neurorestoration” track.

Psychologists: Who manage the high prevalence of cognitive impairment and depression in this population.

5. Why Attend

McDonald Criteria Authors: The Mellen Center faculty (including Dr. Daniel Ontaneda and Dr. Jeffrey Cohen) were key contributors to the international committee that revised the diagnostic criteria, offering attendees “primary source” explanations of the changes.

Comprehensive Care Model: Unlike purely pharmacological conferences, this course dedicates significant time to “Wellness” topics, including diet, exercise, and sleep, which are now considered standard disease-modifying interventions.

Interactive Debates: The program features “Controversy” sessions—debates on topics like “Induction vs. Escalation Therapy” (starting with high-efficacy drugs first vs. stepping up).

6. Topics

01 Keynote Cognitive Worsening in MS Cognitive Relapses and PIRA – Ralph Benedict

02 Keynote Neurorestoration in MS Where We Stand Michelle Ploughman
03 Updates to the McDonald Criteria The 2024 Revisions Daniel Ontaneda and Karlo Toljan
04 Improving Access to Care in Multiple Sclerosis Marisa McGinley
05 BTK Update What we are Learning from Phase 3 Data Robert Fox
06 Managing Mood Disorders in MS – Amy Sullivan, Grace Tworek, Brianne Markley, Raghid Charara
07 Emerging Treatment Paradigms for MOGAD in Adults and Children – Justin Abbatemarco and Aaron Abrams
08 Women’s Health in Neuroimmunological Disorders Alise Carlson
09 Practical Case Studies – Use of Imaging in the New Diagnostic Criteria – Moein Amin
10 Applications of CAR-T in Multiple Sclerosis Jeffrey Cohen and Zarmina Javed
11 Driving Safety in Multiple Sclerosis – How to Manage a Difficult Topic – Roundtable Discussion Rebecca Cebull, Jennifer Sedlak, and Timothy Verdouw
12 Optic Neuritis Rehabilitation for the MS Patient Alyssa DeCarlo
13 Approaching Dysarthria Dysphagia Challenges in MS Danielle Brown
14 Central Dizziness Vestibular Based Rehab Support Kaitlin Sparks
15 The Complex Clinical Picture of MS in Rehab A Case Report – Alyssa DeCarlo, Danielle Brown and Kaitlin Sparks