Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025
Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
Published on: September 12, 2016
Progress in the Application of Drugs for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Weipeng Wei1,2,3,4,5, Denglei Ma1,2,3,4,5, Lin Li1,2,3,4,5
1Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which gives rise to focal lesion in CNS and cause physical disorders. Although environmental factors and susceptibility genes are reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of MS, its etiology still remains unclear. At present, there is no complete cure, but there are drugs that decelerate the progression of MS. Traditional therapies are disease-modifying drugs that control disease severity. MS drugs that are currently marketed mainly aim at the immune system; however, increasing attention is being paid to the development of new treatment strategies targeting the CNS. Further, the number of neuroprotective drugs is presently undergoing clinical trials and may prove useful for the improvement of neuronal function and survival. In this review, we have summarized the recent application of drugs used in MS treatment, mainly introducing new drugs with immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, or regenerative properties and their possible treatment strategies for MS. Additionally, we have presented Food and Drug Administration-approved MS treatment drugs and their administration methods, mechanisms of action, safety, and effectiveness, thereby evaluating their treatment efficacy.
Insights
This review summarizes current and emerging treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and regenerative drugs to manage this chronic CNS inflammatory disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS).
- Its etiology remains unclear, though environmental and genetic factors are implicated.
- Current treatments primarily target the immune system to control disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in drug applications for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment.
- To introduce novel immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and regenerative therapies.
- To evaluate Food and Drug Administration-approved MS drugs, including mechanisms, safety, and efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent drug applications in MS treatment.
- Analysis of immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and regenerative properties of new drugs.
- Evaluation of FDA-approved MS drugs based on administration, mechanism, safety, and effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Current MS drugs mainly modulate the immune system.
- Emerging therapies focus on neuroprotection and regeneration within the CNS.
- Clinical trials are investigating neuroprotective drugs for improved neuronal function and survival.
Conclusions:
- New treatment strategies targeting the CNS are gaining attention for MS management.
- A comprehensive evaluation of approved and investigational drugs is crucial for optimizing MS treatment efficacy.
- Further research into neuroprotective and regenerative approaches holds promise for improving patient outcomes in MS.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
01:26Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
01:25Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Loading and Maintenance Doses