There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatments can reduce the number and severity of relapses and delay the long-term progression of the disease. These medications are called disease-modifying therapies. Some are taken by mouth, some are injected, and some are given by infusion directly into a vein.
FDA-approved therapies for MS are designed to regulate or suppress the inflammatory reactions of the disease. They are most effective for relapsing-remitting MS or secondary-progressive MS with residual attacks. nih
Infusion therapies used in MS include:
Natalizumab (Tysabri) works by preventing immune system cells from entering the central nervous system. It is very effective, but is associated with an increased risk of a serious viral brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Regular blood tests for antibodies to the virus that causes PML can help address this risk. nih
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) treats adults with relapsing-remitting, active secondary-progressive, or primary-progressive MS, and is currently the only FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for primary-progressive MS. It targets circulating immune B cells. Side effects include infusion-related reactions and an increased risk of infections. nih
Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) targets proteins on the surface of immune cells. Because it increases the risk of autoimmune disorders, it is usually used for people who have not responded well enough to two or more other MS therapies. nih
Your neurologist will help you decide whether infusion therapy is right for you, based on your type of MS, how your disease is behaving, and your overall health.
Source: Adapted from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health.
