Contemporary immunomodulatory therapy for multiple sclerosis. |
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Authors: | R A Rudick |
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Affiliation: | Department of Neurology, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. rudickr@ccf.org |
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Abstract: | Multiple sclerosis (MS) is no longer considered an unmanageable disease. Five drugs have obtained regulatory approval to safely and effectively modify the course of MS. Three preparations of interferon beta-Avonex (interferon beta-1a), Betaseron (interferon beta-1b), and Rebif (interferon beta 1a)-have shown efficacy in relapsing-remitting MS and show promise in slowing the course of secondary progressive MS. Glatiramir acetate (Copaxone) has demonstrated efficacy in relapsing-remitting MS, and is being tested for the management of primary progressive disease. Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) has been approved for secondary progressive and progressive relapsing MS. There is a tendency toward early diagnosis and treatment based on the hypothesis that treatment effectiveness declines with advancing disease. |
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