From injection therapies to natalizumab: Views on the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Roberto Bomprezzi, Darin Okuda, Yazan J. Alderazi, Olaf Stüve, Elliot Frohman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Discoveries of the mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis have been acquired at an impressive rate over the last few decades and, as a consequence, a growing number of treatments are becoming available for this disease. This review first analyzes the experience from the early stages of the disease-modifying therapies, then, expanding on the concept of early treatment for improved outcomes, it focuses on natalizumab and its major complication, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. We offer views on the risks associated with the use of natalizumab by underscoring the importance of the JC virus serology and by providing preliminary data on our experience with the extended interval dosing of natalizumab. This approach, which advocates individualized treatment plans, raises the question of the minimum effective natalizumab dose. Extended interval dosing suggests efficacy can be maintained while providing advantages of costs and convenience over regular monthly dosing. More data examining this strategy are necessary.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)97-104
Number of pages8
JournalTherapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders
Volume5
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • JC virus serology
  • multiple sclersis
  • natalizumab
  • progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'From injection therapies to natalizumab: Views on the treatment of multiple sclerosis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this