Dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
One of the disadvantages of currently available disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) is their parenteral administration. Moreover, efficacy is only partial. Most patients treated with first-line DMDs do not remain relapse-free. There is a need for new oral drugs that are more effective than currently available compounds. Innovative oral drugs with new mechanisms of action showed promising results in clinical trials. One of these emerging drugs is BG00012 (BG-12), a fumaric acid ester (FAE). Its active agent, dimethyl fumarate had first been included in FAE treatments for psoriasis.


METHODS
Results that highlight the potential role of BG-12 in MS treatment. We focus on findings of experimental studies and current results of clinical studies with FAE in MS.


RESULTS
An overview of the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects of FAE, their effect in animal models of MS and their short-term efficacy and safety profile in a Phase IIb clinical trial.


CONCLUSIONS
BG-12 is a promising emerging treatment for relapsing-remitting MS, combining anti-inflammatory and possibly clinically relevant neuroprotective effects with the convenience of oral administration. However, the future role of BG-12 in treatment of MS will have to be determined after the completion of ongoing Phase III studies.
University of Basel, Department of Neurology, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.
Athina
A
Papadopoulou
Marcus
M
D'Souza
Ludwig
L
Kappos
Ozgür
O
Yaldizli
D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D000069462:Dimethyl Fumarate; D005650:Fumarates / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D031312:Fumaria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
D005650:Fumarates; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000069462:Dimethyl Fumarate