[History and prospects of multiple sclerosis treatment]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system demyelinating disease with unknown causes.
• Interferon beta (IFN-β) was the first disease-modifying drug (DMD) for MS, developed ~30 years ago.
• Early research relied on animal models like experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical progression of multiple sclerosis treatment.
• To discuss the limitations of current animal models in MS research.
• To explore future therapeutic strategies based on MS patient pathology.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of MS treatment development.
• Analysis of the transition from animal models to patient-derived data.
• Discussion of emerging treatment paradigms in MS.

Main Results:

• Interferon beta (IFN-β) marked the advent of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) for MS.
• Numerous DMDs have been developed, improving MS management.
• Recognition of animal model limitations is driving new research directions.

Conclusions:

• MS treatment has advanced significantly over the past three decades.
• Future MS therapies are increasingly informed by direct patient pathology.
• A shift towards personalized and targeted treatments is anticipated.