Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: advances in disease-modifying therapies

• Main Author: Kay, Kathleen Alexandra
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Medicine; DMT; Myelin; Oligodendrocytes; Multiple sclerosis
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/2144/13960

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. It is the most prevalent disabling neurological condition among young adults, with onset typically between 20 and 40 years of age. Infiltrating immune cells and microglia activations are associated with inflammatory and neurodegenerative mechanisms. Current available disease modifying therapies suppress or modulate the immune system. These pharmaceuticals differ with respect to administration route and frequency, adverse effects, and efficacy. This paper provides a thorough manuscript illustrating the major prescribing factors, efficacy profiles, adverse events, and contraindications that patients and clinicians should consider while choosing a treatment. Despite the advancements made over the past 20 years, patients with progressive multiple sclerosis have few therapeutic options. Additionally, this paper assesses emerging therapies and disease targets on the pharmaceutical horizon, which have shown promise for all disease phenotypes.