From the FDA Drug Label
Dimethyl fumarate is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. (1) AVONEX is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
The treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) include:
- Dimethyl fumarate (PO) 1
- Interferon beta-1a (IM) 2
- Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules (PO) 3 These options are indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS, including:
- Clinically isolated syndrome
- Relapsing-remitting disease
- Active secondary progressive disease in adults.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
The treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been a focus of neurological research, with various disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) available. Some of the key treatment options include:
- Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) such as alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, fingolimod, peginterferon beta-1a, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, glatiramer acetate, and interferon beta-1a 4, 5, 6
- Immunomodulatory therapies such as interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, and glatiramer acetate 6, 7
- Immunosuppressive therapies such as mitoxantrone and natalizumab 7
- Monoclonal antibodies such as ocrelizumab, which has been shown to be beneficial in primary progressive MS 8
Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)
DMTs are the primary treatment for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and have been shown to reduce the relapse rate and delay disease progression. The efficacy and safety of different DMTs have been compared in several studies:
- A network meta-analysis found that alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, natalizumab, and fingolimod had a relatively higher response and lower dropout rates compared to other DMTs 4
- A multiple treatment comparison found that alemtuzumab was the most effective treatment in reducing annual relapse rates, while dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod were more effective in reducing disability progression 5
Management of Adverse Events
Adverse events are common with MS treatments, and managing them is crucial to improve adherence to therapy:
- Flu-like syndrome associated with interferon beta can be managed with initial dose escalation and administration of analgesics and antipyretics 7
- Injection-site reactions can occur with injectable therapies, and allergic reactions can occur with natalizumab 7
- Cardiotoxicity is a risk with mitoxantrone, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a potential risk with natalizumab 7
Future Treatment Approaches
While current treatments have improved the management of MS, there is still a need for more effective and innovative approaches: