Disease-modifying therapy in adult relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant cause of disability among young adults, more commonly women, and usually strikes patients in the prime of their lives. Despite recent therapeutic advancements, MS remains an incurable, chronic illness. Clinical evidence supports the role of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) early in the disease course to reduce the number of acute attacks, delay disease progression, maintain quality of life, and prevent disability. However, an estimated 43% of patients are not receiving DMT. Current guidelines provide direction for making the diagnosis, identifying MS subtypes and choosing initial therapy for the relapsing-remitting forms of the disease. This review presents a summary of available DMT agents indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), briefly touches upon the management of acute attacks, and highlights new therapies being investigated for RRMS, which show promise as adjuncts to or alternatives to currently accepted strategies. (Formulary. 2010;45:252-262.)