Emerging therapies for MS

Immune modulators, such as interferon beta (IFNB) and glatiramer acetate (GA), have primarily targeted T-cells. In the last few years several novel therapeutic strategies have emerged that are reviewed in this paper. These include treatments that modify immune balance generally, others that inhibit various key immune response players more specifically, for example antibody-dependent and antibody-independent B cell responses. Still others inhibit migration of inflammatory cells from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS). At present there are several phase III trials of promising agents in relapsing-remitting MS, including some intravenous agents that are administered only once or twice a year (alemtuzumab, rituximab) or are given as oral agents (FTY720, fumaric acid, laquinomod). Finally, new neuroprotective approaches and CNS repair agents are also being tested.

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