1. An update on combination therapies for multiple sclerosis: where are we now?
- Author
-
Sorensen PS, Magyari M, and Sellebjerg F
- Subjects
- Humans, Immunosuppressive Agents therapeutic use, Glatiramer Acetate therapeutic use, Anti-Inflammatory Agents therapeutic use, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Multiple Sclerosis drug therapy, Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting drug therapy
- Abstract
Introduction: In theory, combination of two agents, which are suboptimal when given individually, may result in a significant increase in therapeutic effect. Combination therapies have proven particularly effective against infections such as HIV, cancer, and also chronic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis., Areas Covered: The authors review the literature, searching for randomized placebo-controlled or comparative, double-blind or investigator-blinded clinical trials, not including open label clinical trials, of treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) with combination therapy or add-on therapy, including trials of induction therapy, trials for prevention of disease activity or worsening, amelioration of adverse effects, and treatment of relapses, and trials to increase remyelination., Expert Opinion: Combination of two platform therapies (Interferon-beta or glatiramer acetate) was without additional effect. Clinical trials with add-on, often applying repurposed drugs (e.g. simvastatin, atorvastatin, minocycline, estriol, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, albuterol, vitamin D), have been negative, apart from monthly methylprednisolone that, however, had low tolerability. Combination therapy for neuroprotection/remyelination showed some interesting results, though we are still awaiting results of phase III trials. The results of combination of anti-inflammatory therapies have in general been disappointing. In the future, combination of new effective neuroprotective/remyelinating drugs and highly effective anti-inflammatory treatments may benefit people with MS.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF