Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disabling and progressive autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.

The disease affects more than 2.5 million people around the world and can cause a vast array of symptoms, including fatigue, visual and motor issues, cognitive problems and even paralysis. There is currently no known cure for MS, but there are various treatment options available that have been developed over the years.

In recent times, through the advancement of medicine and research, there have been some revolutionary weapons that have been developed that are making a real difference in the fight against MS. In this article, we will discuss 10 of the most revolutionary weapons against multiple sclerosis.

Natalizumab

Natalizumab, which goes by the brand name Tysabri, is a monoclonal antibody that was approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of MS.

The drug works by inhibiting the amount of white blood cells that enter the brain and spinal cord, thus reducing inflammation. Natalizumab is administered through a monthly infusion and has shown to reduce the relapse rate of MS by 68%, compared to a placebo. Additionally, the treatment has been shown to slow the progression of the disease.

Alemtuzumab

Alemtuzumab, which goes by the brand name Lemtrada, is another monoclonal antibody that was approved by the FDA in 2014 for the treatment of MS.

The drug also works by reducing the number of white blood cells that enter the brain and spinal cord, but it targets a different type of white blood cell than Natalizumab. Alemtuzumab is administered through an intravenous infusion and has been shown to reduce the relapse rate of MS by up to 55%, compared to a placebo.

The treatment course involves two infusions per year over the course of two years, which allows the drug to work for more extended periods.

Ocrelizumab

Ocrelizumab, which goes by the brand name Ocrevus, is another monoclonal antibody that was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of MS. The drug targets the B cells in the immune system, ultimately reducing the amount of inflammation.

Ocrelizumab is administered through an intravenous infusion once every six months and has been shown to significantly reduce the relapse rate of MS compared to a placebo. The treatment has also been effective in slowing down the progression of the disease and has been most successful in treating people with early-stage MS.

Siponimod

Siponimod, which goes by the brand name Mayzent, is a recent treatment option that was approved by the FDA in 2019 for MS.

The drug is a type of Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, which means it blocks specific cells that are thought to be responsible for causing damage in MS. Siponimod is taken orally once a day and has been shown to reduce the relapse rate of MS and delay disability progression in patients with an active disease. The drug has also been shown to improve cognitive processing speed significantly.

Dimethyl Fumarate

Dimethyl Fumarate, which goes by the brand name Tecfidera, is another oral treatment option that was approved by the FDA in 2013 for MS.

The drug is thought to inhibit the immune cells responsible for attacking the myelin, which ultimately reduces the amount of inflammation. Dimethyl Fumarate is taken orally twice a day and has been shown to reduce the relapse rate of MS by up to 49% compared to a placebo. The treatment has also been shown to delay the progression of disability in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

Fampridine

Fampridine, which goes by the brand name Ampyra, is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 2010 for MS.

The drug is thought to work by improving the conduction of signals in demyelinated nerves, ultimately reducing MS’s symptoms, including difficulty in walking and weakness in the limbs. Fampridine is taken orally twice a day and has been shown to improve walking speed in many patients with MS. However, the treatment may not be effective for everyone, and some patients may experience adverse side effects.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is a relatively new treatment option for MS that has shown promising results in recent clinical trials.

The treatment involves extracting a patient’s stem cells, followed by a treatment that eradicates the immune system cells that cause MS. The patient’s stem cells are then reintroduced into the body in the hope that they will produce new immune cells that are not activated aggressively in MS.

The treatment is considered high-risk and is only recommended for patients with severe forms of the disease. Nevertheless, it has shown to be effective in halting the progression of the disease.

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Technology

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology is a strategy that involves the use of electrodes implanted into the brain to help people with MS regain control over their limbs and body.

The technology is still at an early stage and only available for a small number of patients. Nevertheless, studies have shown that the treatment can help people with MS regain some independence and an improved quality of life. The BCI strategy could be a revolutionary development in treating MS in the future.

Cannabis-based Products

There is increasing interest surrounding the use of cannabis-based products to treat the symptoms of MS. Cannabis contains numerous chemical compounds that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce the damage in MS.

Cannabis has been shown to have positive effects on pain, spasticity, and symptoms of muscle stiffness and spasms. Despite this, there is still much debate about the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based products for the treatment of MS.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise therapy is not a new development in the MS field, but it is undoubtedly a revolutionary weapon against MS.

Exercise therapy has been shown to improve patients’ mobility, functional abilities and mood, all of which can have a positive impact on the general well-being of people with MS. Exercise therapy can also help regulate the immune system, ultimately reducing inflammation and symptoms of the disease. Exercise therapy is thought to be safe and can be tailored to individual patients to maximize the benefits.

Conclusion

There are several revolutionary weapons against MS that have emerged in recent years, offering new hope to people with the disease.

From monoclonal antibodies to stem cell transplantation and innovative technologies like BCI, there are several treatment options available that can help reduce the symptoms and progression of MS. As research continues and further understanding of the disease is gained, it is hoped that even more revolutionary weapons against MS will emerge in the near future.