Multiple sclerosis and disease-modifying therapies.

Mia T. Minen, MD Steven Karceski, MD Over the past 18 years, treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have been developed. These therapies are designed to decrease the number of MS attacks, and to slow the progression of the disease. They have become a standard part of the current treatment for MS. There are different classes of the currently available DMTs: interferons, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, and mitoxantrone. Although they are effective, these medications have significant side effects, and many are very expensive.