Multiple sclerosis. Recent modalities of treatment

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has devastating physical, psychological, and economic consequences. The disease commences in most patients with a relapsing-remitting course, and it is likely that treatment is most effective during this phase before permanent axon damage has occurred. Despite the absence of a cure for MS, the 4 available drug therapies (Interferon (IFN) beta-1a, IFN beta-1b, glatiramer acetate, and mitoxantrone) play a role in the management of MS based on their demonstrated efficacy. In particular, the use of disease-modifying drugs has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of debilitating relapses and to delay disease progression. Efforts to develop alternative therapies with increased efficacy and patient acceptability are in progress.