10 Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) Therapies
Treating relapsing and remitting forms of multiple sclerosis requires a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapies, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Several pharmaceutical companies have clinical development plans in the works for the formulation of novel therapies to treat MS. Here are some of the available medications:
1. Aubagio (Oral)
Aubagio (chemically known as teriflunomide), marketed by Sanofi, is an active metabolite of the compound leflunomide and is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor.
Recently, researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, in collaboration with various institutions from north America and Europe, found that teriflunomide (Aubagio) is well-tolerated and efficient for the long-term treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Read more about this study entitled “Long-term safety and efficacy of teriflunomide”.
2. Avonex (Injectable)
AVONEX (interferon beta-1a) by Biogen is a once-a-week treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Since it was approved in 1996, it has been prescribed to over 455,000 people.
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3. Lemtrada (Infused)
Lemtrada, manufactured by Genzyme (a Sanofi company), is a disease modifying therapy for people with relapsing-remitting forms of multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
A recent study of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients who had one or more relapses on earlier treatment, showed that alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) improved disability progression over five years, even though most patients received treatment only during the first two years.
4. Betaseron/Betaconnect (Injectable)
In 1993, Bayer’s Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) became the first disease-modifying drug to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) after the first MS event.
Recently, the first and only electronic autoinjector for Betaseron administration in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), called Betaconnect, was also granted FDA approval. This allows for a more customized injection and therapy delivery.
5. Novantrone (Infused)
According to the National MS Society, before Novantrone (mitoxantrone) was approved for use against MS, it was used only to treat certain forms of cancer.
“It acts in MS by suppressing the activity of T cells, B cells, and macrophages that are thought to lead the attack on the myelin sheath.”
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6. Copaxone (Injectable)
Glatiramer acetate, manufactured and marketed under the name Copaxone by Teva Pharmaceuticals, is an immunomodulatory injectable drug used for combating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients.
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7. Tecfidera (Oral)
Tecfidera is an oral medication and although this medication is not completely understood, researchers believe that Tecfidera inhibits immune system cells and molecules.
8. Plegridy (Injectable)
Peginterferon beta-1a, known by its brand name Plegridy, is an approved treatment for relapsing and remitting forms of multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
About a year ago, Plegridy by Biogen Idec, received Welsh NHS approval following NHS Scotland’s approval earlier that year. Plegridy was approved across several countries in the European Union in July of 2014.
Read other Plegridy related news here.
9. Gilenya (Oral)
Fingolimod, a drug manufactured by Novartis under the brand name Gilenya, is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for symptoms of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
10. Tysabri (Infused)
Natalizumab (manufactured by Biogen Idec as Tysabri; previously named Antegren) is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a monotherapy for the treatment of relapsing-remitting forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and of Crohn’s disease.
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