Semin Neurol 2003; 23(2): 133-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41138
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Current Disease-Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis

Bernd C. Kieseier, Hans-Peter Hartung
  • Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
01 August 2003 (online)

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the usefulness of interferon beta and glatiramer acetate in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has been established. Interferon beta has also been shown to be efficacious in secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) as well as in patients with isolated syndromes at risk to develop clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS). Mitoxantrone is another disease-modifying drug that is available for SPMS and severe cases of RRMS. The clinical utility of disease-modifying agents in MS will be reviewed with respect to the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and immunosuppressive treatments that are currently available. Symptomatic therapies will not be considered.

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