Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that damages myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. MS destroys myelin and the myelin-forming cells (oligodendrocytes) and in some cases also attacks the axons themselves. This leads to progressively worsening symptoms over time in many people with MS. Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the amount of damage and the specific nerves affected.
Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics
There are several disease-modifying therapies that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics to treat MS. These medications aim to reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses, slow the accumulation of disabilities, and delay progression of the disease. The various classes of disease-modifying therapies and some examples include:
- Injectable therapies: Interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif), Interferon beta-1b (Extavia), Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
- Oral therapies: Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera), Teriflunomide (Aubagio), Fingolimod (Gilenya)
- Intravenous therapies: Natalizumab (Tysabri), Mitoxantrone (Novantrone), Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
These treatments help reduce inflammation and damage in the central nervous system by modifying the body's immune response. While no medication can cure MS, these disease-modifying therapies can help reduce symptoms and delay the progression of physical disabilities over the long term when taken consistently as prescribed by a physician.
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