|
Brand (and generic) name | Mechanism of action | Route of administration (dose) | Location of molecular target | Therapeutic efficacy |
|
IFNβ-1a (Avonex and Rebif) | Suppression of Th1 and enhancement of Th2 immune response | Avonex: once a week, i.m. (30 μg). Rebif: three times a week, subcutaneous (44 μg) | Circulating compartment1 | Reduced relapse rate and MRI lesions |
IFNβ-1b (Betaseron and Extavia) | Suppression of Th1 and enhancement of Th2 immune response | Betaseron: every other day, subcutanous (250 μg) Extavia: three times a week, subcutanous (250 μg) | Circulating compartment | Reduced relapse rate and MRI lesions |
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) | Tolerization with myelin-like antigens and modulation of autoreactive T cells | Every day, subcutanous (20 mg) | Circulating compartment | Reduced relapse rate and MRI lesions |
Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) | Inhibition of the proliferation of T cells, B cells, and macrophages | Four times a year, intravenous. The lifetime cumulative dose is limited to 8–12 doses over 2-3 years (140 mg) | Circulating compartment | Reduced relapse and MRI lesions and disease progression |
Natalizumab (Tysabri) | A humanized monoclonal antibody to α4-β1-integrin that prevents the movement of leukocytes from the bloodstream into the CNS | Every four weeks by intravenous infusion (300 mg) | Circulating compartment | Reduced relapse and MRI lesions and disease progression |
Fingolimod (Gilenya/Gilenia) | Reduction in the number of lymphocytes in the blood by preventing their egress from lymph nodes through modulation of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 | Every day, oral (0.5 mg) | Circulating compartment | Reduced relapse rate and MRI lesions |
Teriflunomide (Aubagio) | An immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory properties, probably through inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase | Every day, oral (7 or 14 mg) | Circulating compartment | Reduced relapse rate and MRI lesions |
Dalfampridine (Ampyra) | Potassium channel blockade | Twice a day (10 mg) | CNS and PNS | Improved walking speed |
Nabiximols (Sativex) | Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor agonism | Oromucosal spray (≤12 sprays per day) | CNS | Reduced spasticity |
|