Disease-Modifying Drugs for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and Future Directions for Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics

Abstract

With the development of effective therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), therapeutic nihilism, which was so prevalent just 10 years ago, has given way to exuberance and optimism. The current mood is understandable because MS is such a devastating disease. Within 10 years of symptom onset, 50% of patients with MS are unable to carry out household and employment responsibilities; within 15 to 20 years, 50% are unable to walk unassisted; and within 25 years, 50% are unable to walk at all. The average annual cost of MS in the United States has been estimated at greater than $6.8 billion, or $34 103 per person. This review summarizes evidence that disease-modifying drugs can significantly improve the course of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and frames key issues relating to the use of current drugs. Major issues confronting experimental MS therapeutics are discussed.

Development of systemic sarcoidosis and xanthoma planum during multiple sclerosis treatment with interferon‐beta 1a: Case Report

“…From 1993, immunomodulators were introduced into the treatment of MS, demonstrating the possibility of changing the course and progression of the disease, diminishing the frequency and severity of recurrences …”

Development of systemic sarcoidosis and xanthoma planum during multiple sclerosis treatment with interferon‐beta 1a: Case Report

“…From 1993, immunomodulators were introduced into the treatment of MS, demonstrating the possibility of changing the course and progression of the disease, diminishing the frequency and severity of recurrences …”

Pattern of hemodynamic impairment in multiple sclerosis: Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MR imaging at 3.0 T

“…Future studies assessing the global NAWM perfusion abnormalities using histogram analysis should help clarify this point. Although it would have been of great interest, it was not possible to investigate the relationship between inflammation as indicated by gadolinium-enhancement and hemodynamic impairment since only one RR-MS patient showed gadolinium-enhancement (Rudick, 1999).…”

Unit Management of Depression of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Using Cognitive Remediation Strategies: A Preliminary Study

“…This is the first study to examine the care fur the depression of NIS patients who livc in a long-term skilled nursing facility. There is no curc for ivlS; however, severa) treatments (e.g., interfen1l1-¡31 a, interferon-¡31 h, and glati-r~1I111:C acetate), whose effect appears to slow the progress of the lesions associated with the disease (17)(18)(19). The consequence of these treatments may he that persons diagnosed with MS will livc longer may he more likely to require lung-term health care during the lattcr purtion uf their livcs.…”

Development of systemic sarcoidosis and xanthoma planum during multiple sclerosis treatment with interferon‐beta 1a: Case Report

“…From 1993, immunomodulators were introduced into the treatment of MS, demonstrating the possibility of changing the course and progression of the disease, diminishing the frequency and severity of recurrences …”

Pattern of hemodynamic impairment in multiple sclerosis: Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MR imaging at 3.0 T

“…Future studies assessing the global NAWM perfusion abnormalities using histogram analysis should help clarify this point. Although it would have been of great interest, it was not possible to investigate the relationship between inflammation as indicated by gadolinium-enhancement and hemodynamic impairment since only one RR-MS patient showed gadolinium-enhancement (Rudick, 1999).…”

Unit Management of Depression of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Using Cognitive Remediation Strategies: A Preliminary Study

“…This is the first study to examine the care fur the depression of NIS patients who livc in a long-term skilled nursing facility. There is no curc for ivlS; however, severa) treatments (e.g., interfen1l1-¡31 a, interferon-¡31 h, and glati-r~1I111:C acetate), whose effect appears to slow the progress of the lesions associated with the disease (17)(18)(19). The consequence of these treatments may he that persons diagnosed with MS will livc longer may he more likely to require lung-term health care during the lattcr purtion uf their livcs.…”

Development of systemic sarcoidosis and xanthoma planum during multiple sclerosis treatment with interferon‐beta 1a: Case Report

“…From 1993, immunomodulators were introduced into the treatment of MS, demonstrating the possibility of changing the course and progression of the disease, diminishing the frequency and severity of recurrences …”

Pattern of hemodynamic impairment in multiple sclerosis: Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MR imaging at 3.0 T

“…Future studies assessing the global NAWM perfusion abnormalities using histogram analysis should help clarify this point. Although it would have been of great interest, it was not possible to investigate the relationship between inflammation as indicated by gadolinium-enhancement and hemodynamic impairment since only one RR-MS patient showed gadolinium-enhancement (Rudick, 1999).…”

Unit Management of Depression of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Using Cognitive Remediation Strategies: A Preliminary Study

“…This is the first study to examine the care fur the depression of NIS patients who livc in a long-term skilled nursing facility. There is no curc for ivlS; however, severa) treatments (e.g., interfen1l1-¡31 a, interferon-¡31 h, and glati-r~1I111:C acetate), whose effect appears to slow the progress of the lesions associated with the disease (17)(18)(19). The consequence of these treatments may he that persons diagnosed with MS will livc longer may he more likely to require lung-term health care during the lattcr purtion uf their livcs.…”