Disease modifying drug therapy How the drugs work
Self-administered drugs
Interferon beta
Interferons are proteins produced naturally by the human body. They help to fight infections and play an important role in the functioning of the immune system.
There are three types of natural interferon: alpha, beta and gamma. Alpha interferons are used in the treatment of some cancers but have not proven beneficial in the treatment of MS. Gamma interferons are thought to induce MS symptoms. Beta interferons are thought to work by blocking the action of the gamma interferons thereby reducing the autoimmune reaction that results in inflammation and destruction of myelin.
There are two different types of interferon beta used in the treatment of MS: interferon beta 1a (Avonex and Rebif) and interferon beta 1b (Betaferon and Extavia). The differences between them lie in the way they are manufactured.
Glatiramer acetate
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) has a different mode of action to interferon beta. It is thought to prevent the production of myelin reactive immune cells - cells responsible for the destruction of myelin - and induce the generation of anti-inflammatory immune cells. This combined effect dampens down the inflammation occurring in the central nervous system, thereby reducing the damage to myelin and nerve fibres.
Hospital-administered drug
Natalizumab
Natalizumab (Tysabri) is a selective adhesion molecule inhibitor (SAMI). It is designed to prevent the passage of immune cells (white blood cells) across the blood-brain barrier. It does so by binding itself to a specific adhesion molecule on the immune cell surface known as alpha-4 integrin, preventing the attraction between the surface of these cells and the surface of the blood-brain barrier. The drug thereby prevents the migration of the immune cells into the central nervous system and the subsequent immune cell activity that leads to nerve damage and destruction.
- Disease modifying drug therapy
- Contents
- Introduction
- What are disease modifying drugs?
- How the drugs work
- Eligibility criteria
- What to expect from self-administered drugs
- What to expect from the hospital-administered drug
- Switching and discontinuing
- Other drugs used in MS other
- Further sources of information and support
MS Trust Information Service
If this information doesn't answer your questions, contact the MS Trust's personal information service on 01462 476700 or by email
