title: The use of glatiramer acetate in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Glatiramer acetate is a collection of synthetic polypeptides indicated as therapy for relapsing a remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Current understanding of the immunological and neuroprotective mechanisms of action of GA makes it unique among current MS therapies. The clinical efficacy of GA appears similar to that of the recombinant beta interferons. GA has a favorable side effect profile with excellent patient compliance and long-term acceptance. The results of pivotal controlled clinical trials and long-term data derived from organized extension studies are reviewed. Supportive data from open-label comparison, combination treatment and therapeutic switch studies are also provided to enable informed decisions on the appropriate place for GA among other immunomodulatory treatments for relapsing MS.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA.
authors.forename: Jerry S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wolinsky
mesh_terms: D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate