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Identification and development of new therapeutics for multiple sclerosis
Ralf A Linker1, Bernd C Kieseier, Ralf Gold
1Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstrasse 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany. ralf.gold@rub.de
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|September 23, 2008
Summary
New multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies target immune responses, including T cells and B cells. Promising oral and antibody treatments may soon offer more individualized options for relapsing-remitting MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment research focuses on targeting specific immune responses.
- Current strategies address T cell activation, circulation, and blood-brain barrier transmigration, as well as B cells and natural killer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the most promising emerging therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis.
- To evaluate novel oral compounds and monoclonal antibodies in development for MS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of available data on new therapeutic approaches for multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of compounds including cladribine, FTY720, fumaric-acid esters, laquinimod, teriflunomide, alemtuzumab, daclizumab, natalizumab, and rituximab.
Main Results:
- Several oral compounds and monoclonal antibodies have shown promise in Phase III studies.
- These novel therapies target various aspects of the immune response implicated in MS pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- New therapeutic options, including oral agents and monoclonal antibodies, are nearing availability for multiple sclerosis.
- These treatments may enhance the current therapeutic arsenal, particularly for relapsing-remitting MS, potentially enabling personalized treatment approaches.
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