J Clin Neurol.  2015 Jan;11(1):9-19. 10.3988/jcn.2015.11.1.9.

Oral Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis

• Kim W
• Zandona ME
• Kim SH
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2179567
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3988/jcn.2015.11.1.9

Abstract

Classical multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments using first-line injectable drugs, although widely applied, remain a major concern in terms of therapeutic adherence and efficacy. New oral drugs recently approved for MS treatment represent significant advances in therapy. The oral route of administration clearly promotes patient satisfaction and increases therapeutic compliance. However, these drugs may also have safety and tolerability issues, and a thorough analysis of the risks and benefits is required. Three oral drugs have been approved by regulatory agencies for MS treatment: fingolimod, teriflunomide, and dimethyl fumarate. This article reviews the mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy of these drugs and two other drugs that have yielded positive results in phase III trials: cladribine and laquinimod.

Keyword

multiple sclerosis; oral drug; clinical trial; treatment

MeSH Terms

Cladribine
Compliance
Dimethyl Fumarate
Fingolimod Hydrochloride
Multiple Sclerosis*
Patient Satisfaction
Risk Assessment
Cladribine

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