Dr. Giancarlo Comi was a distinguished neurologist and visionary leader in the field of multiple sclerosis research who dedicated his career to advancing neurological science and patient care. He served as Professor of Neurology, Chairman of the Department of Neurology, and Director of the Institute of Experimental Neurology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan, Italy, where he established the foundational infrastructure for neurological research and treatment. Comi founded the Multiple Sclerosis Center at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan in 1986 and subsequently created the Institute of Experimental Neurology in 2004, establishing Italy's first multidisciplinary center dedicated to integrating research and treatment of neurological disorders. His leadership extended to prestigious roles including President of the European Charcot Foundation and Chairman of the Human Brains scientific committee of Fondazione Prada.
Professor Comi transformed the therapeutic approach to multiple sclerosis by pioneering the cornerstone of early treatment strategies, fundamentally reshaping clinical practice for this debilitating condition. His extensive research output encompassed over 1,000 scientific articles published in the most prestigious international journals and editorship of numerous scientific books, demonstrating his profound scholarly impact across the neurological sciences. In 2015, he made history as the first Italian scientist to receive the Charcot Award for MS Research from the MS International Federation, recognizing his exceptional contributions to advancing multiple sclerosis understanding and treatment. As lead investigator of numerous phase II and phase III clinical trials, he directly influenced the development of therapeutic approaches that have improved outcomes for countless patients worldwide.
Comi was instrumental in creating the International Progressive MS Alliance, serving as its first Vice Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee and pioneering the Alliance's Industry Forum to accelerate collaborative research efforts across pharmaceutical companies. He championed the brain health vision that formed the basis of the European campaign No Health without Brain Health, emphasizing neurological disease prevention through protection of essential brain capital. His scientific direction of Fondazione Prada's Human Brains project furthered his commitment to preserving neurological function across the lifespan, as evidenced by his promotion of Preserving the Brain: A Call to Action. Professor Comi's enduring legacy encompasses his compassionate clinical practice, his mentorship of future neurologists, and his visionary leadership that continues to shape the trajectory of neurological research globally.
