What are Disease Modifying Therapies?
Disease-modifying medications attempt to alter the course of the disease to lessen or stop disease activity and progression. Multiple sclerosis requires a comprehensive individualized care regimen for best case outcome prospects, comfort, and quality of life. On the internet, you may see disease modifying medications called “Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs)” or “Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs)“. Both of these refer to the same medications that attempt to lessen disease activity.
What is Multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), that affects the brain and spinal cord. The disease results in injury to the myelin sheath, a protective covering composed of lipids that insulate nerves and transmit electrical impulses down the length of an axon. The process of myelin sheath destruction, termed demyelination, results in plaques or lesions, which lead to clinical symptoms. Symptoms vary widely among patients depending on the location of the lesions within the CNS and may include sensory disturbances in the extremities, optic nerve dysfunction, pyramidal tract dysfunction, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, depression, ataxia, and diplopia. As demyelination progresses, symptom severity also progresses, as nerves can no longer properly conduct electrical transmission.
DMTs approved for multiple sclerosis treatment by the FDA
Currently, all medication therapies that exist are purposed for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) which is the most common form of MS. Medications for secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS are currently in clinical trials.