New horizons in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: To review and discuss novel therapeutic approaches to multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly strategies designed to modulate immunopathogenetic mechanisms.

Data sources: Recent medical and scientific publications and the proceedings of recent conferences in Australia and the United States.

Conclusions: Clearer understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to inflammation and demyelination in MS is suggesting new strategies for intervention. Both antigen-specific and non-antigen-specific immunomodulation can be achieved in animal models, and human clinical trials of several new agents can be expected shortly.