Disease-Modifying Immunotherapy
This first section for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) provides information about disease-modifying immunotherapy, also referred to as disease-modifying therapy (DMT). This includes eight individual drug treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to slow MS disease activity and progression.
Five of these eight individual medications are given via self-injection at one's home, varying from once daily to once weekly, depending on the drug selected. These five injectable medications include the interferons (Avonex®, Betaseron®, Extavia®, and Rebif®) and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®). Natalizumab (Tysabri®) and mitoxantrone (Novantrone®) are given individually via intravenous injection (IV) at a medical facility. The most recently approved drug for the long-term treatment of MS is fingolimod (Gilenya®). This new drug is the first DMT for MS that is taken orally.
The majority of individuals with MS may benefit from taking one of these immunotherapy drugs. Research has shown that early treatment is the most effective strategy in minimizing damage to the nerves. Newly diagnosed individuals, as well as individuals diagnosed previously who are not on an immunotherapy, should speak with their physician to see if they may benefit from one of these treatments.
Please refer to Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis for a full description of the approved long-term treatments for MS and a chart of these medications, summarizing how these medications are administered, as well as potential side effects and other notes.
Please refer to MSAA’s listing of patient-assistance programs for information on financial assistance for these disease-modifying therapies.
Please note that MSAA does not endorse or recommend any specific drug or treatment. Individuals are advised to consult with a physician about the potential benefits and risks of the different treatment therapies.
For more information about approved and experimental treatments for MS, please refer to the cover story in MSAA’s Summer/ Fall 2011 Issue of The Motivator, titled “MS Research Update.”
