The progression of multiple sclerosis can be slowed with the use of new disease-modifying medications. The condition may be treatable with the help of several promising experimental medicines. Treatment can help with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but there is yet no cure. In recent years, new drugs have emerged that can delay the disease’s course and alleviate its symptoms. New treatments are being developed, and researchers are learning more about the disease and its causes and risk factors.
Modifying treatments for new diseases
The primary class of drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis is known as disease-modifying treatments (DMTs). The FDA has approved more than a dozen disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to treat various forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Recent FDA approvals include:
- Cladribine: It’s been proven effective in treating both relapsing forms of MS (RRMS) and progressive forms (SPMS).
- Diroximel fumarate: RRMS, active SPMS, and CIS can all be treated with this medication. Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is an earlier form of DMT that is analogous to this. Nonetheless, it has fewer GI-related side effects.
- Fingolimod: It’s used to help children who have MS. It was approved for use by adults before. It was the first DMT to receive pediatric approval in 2018.
- Ocrelizumab: It’s used to treat both primary progressive MS (PPMS) and relapsing MS (RMS). It’s the only DMTTrusted Source that’s been approved to treat all four forms of multiple sclerosis and the first to treat PPMS specifically.
- Ozanimod: An active form of SPMS, RRMS, or CIS can all be treated with this medication. It’s the most up-to-date DMT available, having gained FDA approval in March 2020.
- Ponesimod: This medication received the green light from the FDA in March 2021. When comparing Ponvory to teriflunomide (Aubagio), annual relapses for relapsing types of MS were reduced by 30.5%.
- Siponimod: The FDA has approved it for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS, secondary-progressive MS, and CIS. In phase 3 clinical trial, siponimod significantly reduced the recurrence rate in people with active SPMS. It reduced relapse by 50% compared to a placebo.
Effective treatment planning based on data
People who have multiple sclerosis (MS) now have more treatment options than ever before because new drugs are constantly being developed to combat the disease.
In order to assist them in making judgments, scientists are currently utilizing extensive databases and statistical studies in an effort to determine which treatment alternatives are the most beneficial for various individuals. In the long run, it’s possible that this research will assist patients and medical professionals in determining which medicines have the best chance of working for them.
Research on the microbiome of the gut
Researchers have also investigated the potential role that bacteria and other types of microorganisms that live in our guts could play in the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The microbiome of our gut refers to the group of bacteria that live there.
There are certain bacteria that are beneficial. In fact, our bodies are home to a wide variety of so-called “friendly” bacteria, which play a role in the regulation of our immune systems. Inflammation is a potential consequence of an unbalanced population of bacteria within the human body. This may play a role in the development of autoimmune illnesses such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Researchers are making progress in understanding the disease’s predisposing variables, root causes, and viable therapies. There have been some promising new drugs licensed in recent years. These developments are improving the quality of life for those who suffer from this disease and raising expectations for a cure.