The evolution of multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies: An update for pharmacists

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and the evolution of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and their indications, mechanisms of action, efficacy, pregnancy class, and cost are discussed.

MS is an immune-mediated, demyelinating, and progressive neurological disorder that can cause both motor and cognitive deficits. Onset of MS typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years, and the disease can result in significant disability over time. Since the introduction of the first DMT for the treatment of MS in 1993, significant progress has been made in the development of new classes of DMTs with different mechanisms of action, higher efficacy, and simpler administration schedules, offering patients better alternatives. However, drawbacks with the use of DMTs include their increasing cost and formulary restrictions.

The treatment landscape of MS has significantly changed over the past 2 decades, and the introduction of newer classes of DMTs provides an opportunity for pharmacists to play an important role in the management of this patient population.