#150: Treating chronic smoldering inflammation: How far has research come? With Dr. Boris Kallmann

Research News with Dr. Boris Kallmann

In this episode of the MS Perspective Podcast, we focus on chronic smoldering inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) – a process that can drive slow disease progression, even when relapses no longer occur.

I speak with Dr. Boris Kallmann, neurologist and MS specialist, about how these subtle changes develop, how they can be recognized in everyday clinical practice, and which treatment options are available today – and may become available in the near future.

👉 You can also read the full interview on my blog, where this episode is available as a written article.

ℹ️ Important notes

• This episode is the English translation of the original German interview.

• The conversation was translated carefully to preserve medical accuracy and meaning.

• This episode was supported by Sanofi S.A.
  The content reflects independent editorial work.

🧠 Topics covered in this episode

• What chronic smoldering inflammation means in MS

• Why MS can progress slowly without relapses

• How neurologists recognize subtle, long-term changes

• The importance of listening closely to patients' experiences

• Using digital tools and smartphones to monitor disease progression

• Realistic therapy goals when progression is present

• The three key pillars of MS management:

  • lifestyle and physical activity

  • symptom management

  • immunomodulatory therapies

• New therapeutic approaches and insights from clinical trials

• BTK inhibitors: how they work, what makes them different, and why they are promising

• What "non-inferiority" in clinical studies really means

• Possible side effects and the need for careful monitoring

• Why new therapies may initially be used in specialized MS centers

• Challenges in rural healthcare and the importance of collaboration

• What the future of MS treatment may look like in the next five years

📖 You can also read the full interview on my blog for a detailed, structured version of the conversation: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/150-boris-kallmann

💬 Takeaway

MS is highly individual – and so are the ways people experience progression. Staying informed, observing changes over time, and working closely with experienced healthcare providers can make a meaningful difference.