title: Glatiramer acetate for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd) is a collection of immunomodulatory, synthetic polypeptides indicated for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR MS). Preclinical and clinical studies provide an evolving understanding of the mechanisms by which glatiramer acetate exerts both immunological and potential neuroprotective effects that account for its clinical efficacy. The results of pivotal controlled clinical trials and long-term data, derived from organised extension studies, are evaluated in detail and supportive data from open-label comparison, combination treatment and therapeutic switch studies are considered in order to determine the place of glatiramer acetate among other approved therapies for RR MS. The efficacy of glatiramer acetate is stable or may increase over time and the drug has a favourable side effect profile. Glatiramer acetate is an appropriate first-line immunomodulatory therapy for RR MS.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX 77030, USA. Jerry.S.Wolinsky@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Jerry S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wolinsky
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010455:Peptides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D010455:Peptides; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a