Disease Modifying Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

For relapsing forms of MS, which is the most common disease course, research has demonstrated that DMTs reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses, and reduce the development of new areas of damage to the central nervous system.

“Early and ongoing treatment with DMTs may help prevent permanent damage to the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves that can occur early in the disease, even when a person has no symptoms and feels well,” said Herman Sullivan, MD, Executive Medical Director, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hauenstein Neurosciences Center, and Medical Director, Multiple Sclerosis Clinic.

Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 18 drugs for relapsing MS (not inclusive of generics) and one drug for the progressive form of MS.

“The next advancements in the treatment of MS are to improve upon the effectiveness of the DMTs to the extent that no apparent disease activity will be detected, and equally important, therapies that can regenerate and/or remyelinate injured tissue,” said Dr. Sullivan. “This will make MS quite diminutive in its effect on disability, which is the end game you want to win.”

How do you know if DMT is right for you?

The decision to take a DMT should be a shared decision made between you and your healthcare provider.

“Each person’s body or disease can respond to DMTs differently, and the DMT that is the best option for one person may not be the best for another person,” said Dr. Sullivan. “A DMT that adequately controls your disease today may not do so in the future and you may need to change to a different DMT.”

According to Dr. Sullivan, the most rational approach to treating MS in the 21^st century is to start a DMT early in the course of the disease, manage the symptoms as best one can and employ a healthy lifestyle that improves brain health overall.

Learn more about Multiple Sclerosis Care at Trinity Health.