What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease in which the body attacks the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. The body’s immune system attacks the CNS, causing symptoms such as numbness in the limbs, paralysis, or loss of vision. Disease progression is specific to the individual and many people can lead satisfying and productive lives with medication. MS is currently incurable but there are FDA-approved medications that help to “modify” and slow down the course of the disease. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends patients with MS to consider treatment with an FDA-approved “disease-modifying” drug to lessen frequency and severity of MS attacks.

Multiple Sclerosis Facts

• Approximately 400,000 people have MS in the US
• Approximately 10,000 newly diagnosed case every year (almost 200 new cases per week)
• Most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20-50 years
• Most common among Caucasians and people of Northern or Central Europe descent

List of FDA approved Disease-Modifying Agents for Multiple Sclerosis

Aubagio (teriflunomide)

Avonex (interferon beta-1a)

Betaseron (interferon beta-1b)

Copaxone (glatiramer acetate)

Extavia (interferon beta-1b)

Gilenya (fingolimod)  

Novantrone (mitoxantrone)

Rebif (interferon beta-1a)

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)

Tysabri (natalizumab)

Next: Oral MS Drugs