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. 2012 Jul;5(4):205-20.
doi: 10.1177/1756285612450936.

Current and emerging therapies in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

Affiliations

Current and emerging therapies in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

Wanda Castro-Borrero et al. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2012 Jul.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling chronic autoimmune neurological disease that mainly affects young adults. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of MS has significantly advanced in the past quarter of a century. This has led to the development of many disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that prevent exacerbations and new lesions in patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS). So far there is no drug available that can completely halt the neurodegenerative changes associated with the disease. It is the purpose of this review to provide concise information regarding mechanism of action, indications, side effects and safety of Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approved agents for MS, emerging therapies, and drugs that can be considered for off-label use in MS.

Keywords: disease-modifying therapies; emerging therapies; fingolimod; glatiramer acetate; interferon β; multiple sclerosis; natalizumab.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: Wanda Castro-Borrero has received speaker honoraria from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Teva Neuroscience and Biogen Idec. Donna Graves has received speaker honoraria from Teva Neuroscience, Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Novartis. Teresa C. Frohman has received speaker honoraria from Teva Neuroscience and Biogen Idec. Angela Bates has received speaker honoraria from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Teva Neuroscience and Biogen Idec. Paula Hardeman has nothing to disclose. Diana Logan has received speaker honoraria from Teva Neuroscience, and consulting fees from Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Acorda Therapeutics. Megan Orchard has nothing to disclose. Benjamin Greenberg has received honoraria from EMD Serono, American Academy of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, and National Multiple Sclerosis Society, consulting fees from Acorda, DioGenix, Greater Good Foundation, and grants from Amplimmune, Accelerated Cure Project and Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation. Elliot Frohman has received speaker fees from Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Acorda Pharmaceuticals, and consulting fees from Biogen Idec, Teva Neurosciences, Abbott, Acorda Therapeutics, and Novartis.

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