MS Therapies
Multiple Sclerosis Management: The Past, Present and Future
At present, there is no known cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, a number of approved treatments are currently available, which aim to:
- reduce the frequency and severity of relapses
- slow the progression of MS
- and slow the development of disability.
These existing injectable therapies interrupt the underlying autoimmune response and inflammation that occur in MS [1].
Today’s approved MS treatments are often grouped into two broad categories:
- Immunomodulators ,which modify the immune system
- Immunosuppressants , which suppress the immune system [1−3]
Currently approved treatments for MS are administered one to several times per week by subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injection or by infusion directly into the bloodstream.
Several new therapies are also in development for the treatment of MS including both injectable and oral MS therapies.
- Find out more about existing injectable therapies
- Find out more about oral therapies currently in development
References
- Chofflon M. Mechanisms of action for treatments in multiple sclerosis: Does a heterogeneous disease demand a multi-targeted therapeutic approach? BioDrugs. 2005;19(5):299−308.
- Neuhaus O, Archelos JJ, Hartung HP. Immunomodulation in multiple sclerosis: from immunosuppression to neuroprotection. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2003;24(3):131−8.
- Goodin DS, Frohman EM, Garmany GP et al. Disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines. 1: Neurology. 2002;58(2):169−78.