Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla

What Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla does

Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (AISM) is Italy's leading nonprofit patient association for multiple sclerosis, founded in 1968 and registered as an Associazione di Promozione Sociale / Ente del Terzo Settore (APS/ETS) under Italian Third Sector law. Headquartered in Rome (Via Cavour 181/A) with a main operational office in Genoa, AISM serves approximately 150,000 people living with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD in Italy, alongside caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public. The organization operates through the affiliated FISM research foundation, which administers an annual competitive research grant program (Bando FISM), the FISM Scientific Congress, and international research collaborations including ALAMEDA, EBV-MS, PROMS, and the Progressive MS Alliance.

The organization's core platform assets include the Italian MS Registry (Registro Italiano SM), which aggregates data from 207 MS Centers nationwide, and the Barometro della Sclerosi Multipla, an annual tracking report in its 11th edition. AISM delivers a multi-channel service portfolio: rehabilitation services, socio-assistance centers, accessible tourism, a free Numero Verde helpline, local Sportello offices, and the Accademia AISM training program. Digital distribution spans a multimedia library, community forum, multiple newsletter streams, and active social profiles across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Strategic products include the Agenda della Sclerosi Multipla 2030, launched at the Italian Chamber of Deputies in May 2026.

AISM is funded entirely through philanthropic revenue streams: individual donations (one-time and recurring), the Italian 5x1000 tax designation, testamentary bequests, corporate partnerships (with a dedicated aziende.aism.it portal), pharmaceutical event sponsorship (Merck Serono as FISM Congress Main Sponsor; Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Neuraxpharm, Juvisé, and Sanofi as Gold Sponsors), and event-driven campaigns including World MS Day, Stream for AISM, Happy Hour Revolution, Solid Gifts, and Lista Nozze Solidali. All programs and services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries. Distribution occurs through nationwide territorial sections, digital platforms, a national helpline, and direct institutional advocacy, including the Parliamentary Intergroup on Multiple Sclerosis established in November 2025.

Name

Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla

Legal name

Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla – AISM – Associazione di Promozione Sociale/APS - Ente del Terzo Settore/ETS

Website

https://aism.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (AISM) is Italy's leading nonprofit patient association for multiple sclerosis, founded in 1968. It serves approximately 150,000 people with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD through research funding via FISM, the Italian MS Registry, rehabilitation services, rights advocacy, and a nationwide territorial section network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Rome

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations and Regular Giving: AISM raises funds through one-time and recurring donations from individuals, including regular donor programs. Donors can contribute via the website, direct bank transfers, and dedicated donation portals.
2. 5x1000 Tax Designation: Italian taxpayers can designate 5x1000 of their tax return to AISM, providing a significant annual funding stream from individual tax allocations.
3. Testamentary Bequests (Lasciti Testamentari): AISM accepts legacy gifts and testamentary bequests from supporters who wish to contribute to the association's mission beyond their lifetime.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Businesses can support AISM through corporate donations, cause-related marketing, employee giving programs, and sponsorship of events and campaigns. A dedicated corporate portal (aziende.aism.it) facilitates B2B engagement.
5. Events and Fundraising Campaigns: AISM organizes national fundraising events including face-to-face campaigns, streaming events (Stream for AISM), Happy Hour Revolution, Solid Gifts, and wedding gift lists (Lista Nozze Solidali). These campaigns mobilize communities to raise funds.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

AISM is a non-profit patient association that supports people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and related neurological disorders (NMOSD, MOGAD) in Italy. It delivers research funding, rehabilitation services, socio-assistance programs, information helplines, accessible tourism, and rights advocacy. Its affiliated foundation FISM funds competitive scientific research, manages the Italian MS Registry, and runs the annual FISM Congress.

Product overview

Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (AISM) is a non-profit association (Ente del Terzo Settore/ETS) dedicated to supporting people with multiple sclerosis and related neurological conditions. AISM operates a multi-service model consisting of: information and communication services (AISM News newsletter, Filodiretto, Numero Verde helpline, local Sportello offices); research support through the FISM Foundation including annual funding calls (Bando FISM), the Italian MS Registry, and the annual FISM Congress; advocacy tools including the Agenda della SM 2030 strategic document and the Barometro annual tracking report; and direct care services including socio-assistance centers, rehabilitation services, and accessible tourism programs. The organization also operates Accademia AISM for volunteer and staff training. The portfolio is structured around patient support, scientific research advancement, rights advocacy, and community building rather than commercial technology products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Centri Socio-Assistenziali (Social-Assistance Centers) Social-assistance centers providing care and support services to people with multiple sclerosis across Italy, delivered through AISM's territorial section network.
• Servizi di Riabilitazione AISM (AISM Rehabilitation Services) Rehabilitation services helping people with MS maintain mobility, function, and independence, offered through AISM's territorial sections.
• Numero Verde (Toll-Free Helpline) Free telephone helpline providing information and support to people with multiple sclerosis, caregivers, and the public on disease management, services, and rights.
• Sportello AISM in Sezione (Local Branch Office) Local branch office services providing personalized in-person assistance and information to MS patients, members, and families in their territory.
• Turismo Sociale e Accessibile (Accessible Social Tourism) Accessible tourism programs enabling people with MS to travel and participate in social activities, addressing mobility and inclusion needs.
• Accademia AISM (Training Academy) Training academy providing education on multiple sclerosis and support skills to AISM volunteers and staff.
• AISM/FISM Research Grant Programs (Bando FISM) Annual competitive research grant calls administered through FISM, funding scientific research on multiple sclerosis conducted by Italian and international researchers.
• Congresso FISM Annuale (FISM Annual Scientific Congress) Annual scientific congress bringing together MS researchers to share findings and discuss advances in multiple sclerosis research.
• Registro Italiano SM (Italian MS Registry) National registry collecting epidemiological and clinical data on people with MS in Italy, used to support research and monitor disease patterns across 207 MS Centers.
• Barometro della Sclerosi Multipla (Annual MS State-of-Care Report) Annual report measuring and tracking the state of MS care, rights, and quality of life in Italy, providing data-driven insights for advocacy and policy-making. Now in its 11th edition.
• Agenda della Sclerosi Multipla e Patologie correlate 2030 Strategic agenda document outlining priorities and actions for improving the lives of people with multiple sclerosis through 2030, developed through stakeholder consultation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150,000 people with MS in Italy served through AISM's programs and advocacy
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Global MS Prevention Initiative (MSIF + national MS organizations)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 May 2026AISM joined the Global MS Prevention Initiative alongside MS organizations from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA, coordinated by MSIF. The initiative aims to make MS a preventable disease through early diagnosis, risk factor identification, and coordinated global research. The Nice Declaration was published on May 30, 2026.
• FISM (Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2026FISM is AISM's dedicated research foundation, co-located and fully integrated with the association. FISM funds competitive MS research grants through an annual call for proposals (Bando FISM), organizes the annual FISM Scientific Congress, publishes the Research Compendium, and operates international research programs including ALAMEDA, EBV-MS, and Progressive MS Alliance. AISM and FISM share the same mission and governance structure.
• Merck Serono S.p.A. (Main Sponsor of FISM Congress 2026)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 May 2026Merck Serono S.p.A. provided non-conditional sponsorship for the FISM Scientific Congress 2026 as Main Sponsor. Merck Serono is a pharmaceutical company active in MS treatment.
• Neuraxpharm Italy S.p.A., Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Juvisé Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi S.r.l. (Gold Sponsors of FISM Congress 2026)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 May 2026Five pharmaceutical companies (Neuraxpharm Italy, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Juvisé Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi) served as Gold Sponsors for the FISM Congress 2026, providing non-conditional funding in support of the scientific event.
• ANGLATminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2026AISM and ANGLAT signed a new Memorandum of Understanding in January 2026 regarding the right to mobility, addressing accessible parking, transportation, and mobility rights for people with disabilities.
• Parliamentary Intergroup on Multiple Sclerosis and Related DisordersflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2025An official intergroup within the Italian Parliament (Camera dei Deputati and Senato), co-chaired by On. Luana Zanella and Sen. Tilde Minasi. Supported by a Technical-Scientific Committee including SIN, ANCI, INPS, CENSIS, CEIS Tor Vergata, and others. This represents AISM's highest-level institutional partnership for advancing MS policy.
• ANCI (Associazione Nazionale Comuni Italiani)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2025ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities) participates in the Technical-Scientific Committee of the Parliamentary Intergroup on MS, linking AISM's advocacy to local government implementation across Italy's municipalities.
• INPS (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2025INPS participates in the Parliamentary Intergroup's Technical-Scientific Committee, providing expertise on social security, disability pensions, and welfare benefits relevant to people with MS.
• MSIF (International Multiple Sclerosis Federation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAISM is a member of the International MS Federation (Federazione Internazionale della Sclerosi Multipla), collaborating on global advocacy, World MS Day campaigns, and the Global MS Prevention Initiative alongside MS organizations from Australia, Canada, UK, and USA.
• EMSP (European Multiple Sclerosis Platform)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAISM participates in the European MS Platform, collaborating on pan-European advocacy, research coordination, and policy initiatives related to MS across EU member states.
• SIN (Società Italiana di Neurologia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Italian Neurology Society is a key clinical partner, represented in the Technical-Scientific Committee of the Parliamentary Intergroup and collaborating with AISM/FISM on research strategy, clinical guidelines, and the Italian MS Registry.
• AINMO (Associazione Italiana Neuromielite Ottica)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAINMO is AISM's sister association dedicated to Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and MOGAD. AISM hosts the AINMO section on its website, indicating a close operational and strategic alliance between the two organizations.
• Progressive MS AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn international coalition of MS organizations funding research specifically targeting progressive forms of multiple sclerosis, in which FISM participates.
• CENSIScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCENSIS, a leading Italian socioeconomic research institute, participates in the Technical-Scientific Committee of the Parliamentary Intergroup, contributing research and analysis on disability and social policy.
• CEIS Tor VergataminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEIS Tor Vergata (University of Rome Tor Vergata's center for health and social economics) participates in the Technical-Scientific Committee, providing academic research expertise on MS care and policy.
• Dipartimento Disabilità Fondazione SospirominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFondazione Sospiro's Disability Department participates in the Technical-Scientific Committee of the Parliamentary Intergroup on MS, contributing expertise on disability care and social services.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS): Largest US MS patient organization and a global reference model. Comparable to AISM in mission (research funding, advocacy, patient services), but operates at significantly larger scale and with broader international research funding reach via Fast Forward.
• Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC): Italy's largest cancer research charity and a key comparator for AISM's research funding, donor engagement, and 5x1000 fundraising model. Operates at significantly larger scale and is the dominant Italian health-research nonprofit.
• Fondazione Telethon (Telethon Foundation): Major Italian biomedical research charity with comparable fundraising mechanics (TV marathons, 5x1000, individual giving). Comparable operating model to FISM but broader disease mandate (genetic and rare diseases), and useful benchmark for Italian nonprofit research charity scale.

Direct peers

• Deutsche Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft (DMSG): German MS patient association with parallel structure of national federation and regional chapters. Comparable to AISM's territorial section model, research funding, and advocacy portfolio for a larger national MS population.
• Ligue Française contre la Sclérose En Plaques (LFSEP): French MS patient association. Closest geographic peer to AISM in continental Europe, with similar community-led fundraising, territorial network, advocacy focus, and research funding programs.
• MS Society UK: UK MS patient organization funding research, advocating for rights, and delivering services. Direct counterpart to AISM in scope, structure (charity + research arm), and beneficiary model, with comparable 5x1000-equivalent Gift Aid and national policy influence.
• Federazione Alzheimer Italia: Italian patient association for Alzheimer's and dementia with a comparable operational footprint (territorial sections, helpline, research funding, parliamentary advocacy). Direct competitor for Italian donor mindshare, 5x1000 designations, and neurological disease advocacy.

Regional players

• Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF): Global umbrella of MS organizations, of which AISM/FISM (via President Mario A. Battaglia) is a leading member. Coordinates World MS Day, the Global MS Prevention Initiative, and international research — AISM operates within MSIF's framework rather than competing with it.
• European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP): Pan-European umbrella for national MS societies including AISM. AISM is an EMSP member; EMSP coordinates EU-level MS advocacy, registries, and policy work, making it a collaborative counterpart and partial substitute for AISM's European reach.

Emerging players

• Federazione Italiana delle Associazioni di Volontariato in Oncologia (FAVO): Federation of Italian cancer patient volunteer associations. Comparable to AISM as an Italian umbrella for disease-specific patient associations with institutional advocacy and parliamentary engagement; structurally analogous but in oncology rather than neurology.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AISM_nazionale
• YouTubeyoutube.com/sclerosimultipla
• Facebookfacebook.com/aism.nazionale
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aism-nazionale
• Instagraminstagram.com/aism_nazionale
• TikToktiktok.com/@aism_nazionale

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla