Infectious Complications of Novel Multiple Sclerosis Therapies

Abstract

Purpose of review: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system most often characterized by clinical relapses and periods of remission.

Recent findings: The past decade has seen a dramatic increase in disease-modifying therapies for MS. Fourteen FDA-approved immunomodulatory drugs are currently available, and more medications are in development. A growing number of reported opportunistic infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), highlight the serious complications of these new drugs and the need for specific screening guidelines. Using data from Phase II and III randomized controlled trials, case reports, drug manufacturing data, and clinical experience, we outline the most common and serious infections associated with novel MS therapies.

Keywords: Immunomodulators; Multiple sclerosis; Opportunistic infections; Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.