Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Synthesis and Characterization of an Aspirin-fumarate Prodrug that Inhibits NFκB Activity and Breast Cancer Stem Cells
13:38

Synthesis and Characterization of an Aspirin-fumarate Prodrug that Inhibits NFκB Activity and Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Published on: January 18, 2017

Dimethyl fumarate for treatment of multiple sclerosis: mechanism of action, effectiveness, and side effects

Ralf A Linker1, Ralf Gold

  • 1Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany, ralf.linker@uk-erlangen.de.

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|September 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Dimethyl fumarate, an oral treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), significantly reduces relapse rates and disability progression. This immunomodulatory drug also shows cytoprotective effects with a favorable safety profile.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
  • Current treatments aim to modulate the immune system and reduce disease activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new oral formulation of dimethyl fumarate for treating relapsing-remitting MS.
  • To assess the impact of dimethyl fumarate on clinical relapses, disability progression, and MRI-detected lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Two pivotal phase III clinical trials (e.g., DEFINE) were conducted.
  • Participants received dimethyl fumarate (240 mg twice daily) or placebo.
  • Efficacy was measured by relapse rates, disability progression, and MRI lesion counts.

Main Results:

  • Dimethyl fumarate reduced relapse rates by approximately 50% compared to placebo.
  • Significant reduction in disability progression and MRI lesions (gadolinium-enhanced and T2) was observed.
  • The most common side effects were transient flushing and gastrointestinal irritation.

Conclusions:

  • Dimethyl fumarate is an effective oral treatment for relapsing-remitting MS, offering immunomodulatory and cytoprotective benefits.
  • The new formulation demonstrates a favorable safety profile, making it a valuable addition to MS treatment options.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation. 
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors01:29

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.