Emerging therapies for multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND - Until recently, therapy for multiple sclerosis was limited to management of symptoms and treatment of acute relapses. Increasingly, effective therapies that alter the disease course are becoming available. REVIEW SUMMARY - The purpose of this article is to review emerging drug therapies for multiple sclerosis and to discuss issues that remain controversial. Tizanidine and 4-aminopyridine are two new options for symptomatic management. The role of corticosteroids in the treatment of acute relapses and as chronic therapy is discussed. A comparison is presented of interferon beta-1b (Betaseron), interferon beta-1a (Avonex), and copolymer-1 (Copaxone), the three options with proven efficacy for relapsing-remitting disease. Finally, a number of other treatment options are in late stages of testing. CONCLUSION - Rapidly, an increasing number of treatment options for multiple sclerosis are emerging.