Drug therapies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
The name multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to 2 features of the disease: multiple describes the number of central nervous system lesions and sclerosis refers to the demyelinated nature of the lesions. Today, these lesions are usually called plaques rather than scleroses. Multiple sclerosis is a complex inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is variable in terms of symptoms and presentation. The objectives of this article are to review briefly the epidemiology and pathophysiology of MS and to focus on the major categories of therapies currently in use to treat MS. Research is progressing at a rapid pace. The article also discusses some of the most promising new compounds in clinical trials.
Ryan
Melody
M
Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 725 Rose S, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. maryan@email.uky.edu
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D001247:Asthenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000139:chemically induced; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a