What are the new drugs used for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
The newest drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis include Briumvi, Ponvory, Kesimpta, Bafiertam, Zeposia, Vumerity, Mavenclad, Mayzent, and Ocrevus.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the body's immune system attacks the protective myelin sheaths that cover nerve fibers, causing areas of scarring called sclerosis.
MS is a lifelong illness. It can follow one of several different patterns:
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS). The most common form of multiple sclerosis characterized by temporary periods of relapses and remissions.
- Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS). Most people who are diagnosed with RRMS will transition to SPMS at some stage. In SPMS, symptoms worsen more steadily over time, with or without the occurrence of relapses and remissions.
- Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS). An uncommon form of MS characterized by slowly worsening symptoms from the onset, with no relapses or remissions.
- Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS). A rare form of MS characterized by a steadily worsening disease state from the onset.
Latest FDA Approvals for Multiple Sclerosis
| Brand | Generic Name | Company | Approved | Type | Indications |
| Ocrevus Zunovo |
ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq (injection) |
Genentech, Inc. | September 13, 2024 | CD20-directed cytolytic antibody and hyaluronidase combination | RRMS, SPMS, PPMS |
| Briumvi |
ublituximab-xiiy (injection) |
TG Therapeutics, Inc. | December 28, 2022 | CD20-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody | RRMS, SPMS |
| Ponvory |
ponesimod (tablets) |
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | March 18, 2021 | sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator | RRMS, SPMS |
| Kesimpta |
ofatumumab (injection) |
Novartis | August 20, 2020 | CD20-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody | RRMS, SPMS |
| Bafiertam | monomethyl fumarate (delayed-release capsules) | Banner Life Sciences LLC | April 28, 2020 | oral fumarate | RRMS, SPMS |
| Zeposia | ozanimod (capsules) | Bristol-Myers Squibb Company | March 25, 2020 | sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator | RRMS, SPMS |
| Vumerity |
diroximel fumarate (delayed-release capsules) |
Biogen | October 29, 2019 | oral fumarate | RRMS, SPMS |
| Mavenclad | cladribine (tablets) | EMD Serono, Inc. | March 29, 2019 | purine antimetabolite | RRMS, SPMS |
| Mayzent | siponimod (tablets) | Novartis | March 26, 2019 | sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator | RRMS, SPMS |
| Ocrevus | ocrelizumab (injection) | Genentech, Inc. | March 28, 2017 | CD20-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody | RRMS, SPMS, PPMS |
| Zinbryta (withdrawn from market March 2018) | daclizumab (injection) | Biogen | May 27, 2016 | interleukin-2 receptor blocking antibody | RRMS |
| Lemtrada | alemtuzumab (injection) | Genzyme Corporation | November 14, 2014 | CD52-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody | RRMS, SPMS |
| Plegridy | peginterferon beta-1a (injection) | Biogen | August 15, 2014 | pegylated interferon beta | RRMS, SPMS |
| Tecfidera | dimethyl fumarate (capsules) | Biogen | March 27, 2013 | Nrf2 pathway activator | RRMS, SPMS |
| Aubagio | teriflunomide (tablets) | Sanofi | September 12, 2012 | pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor | RRMS, SPMS |
| Gilenya | fingolimod (capsules) | Novartis | September 21, 2010 | sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator | RRMS, SPMS |
| Tysabri | natalizumab (injection) | Biogen | November 23, 2004 | integrin receptor antagonist | RRMS, SPMS |
Related questions
- Is Tecfidera an immunosuppressant?
- How do Vumerity and Tecfidera compare for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
- Can I stop taking Tecfidera? What happens if I do?
Drugs in Development for Multiple Sclerosis
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Company | Development Stage | Type | Condition |
| laquinimod | Teva Pharmaceuticals | Phase 2/3 | CNS-active immunomodulator | RRMS, PPMS |
Read next
What causes flushing with Tecfidera?
40% of people report flushing as a side effect of Tecfidera and although experts aren’t sure how Tecfidera causes flushing they suggest it may be due to one of the pathways affected by Tecfidera called HCAR2. When the metabolite of Tecfidera, MMF binds to HCAR2, it induces prostanoid-forming enzymes in different cell types. These enzymes form prostaglandins which, in addition to other effects, signal capillaries to open, which causes flushing. Continue reading
Can you drink alcohol while taking Tecfidera?
Although there is no direct interaction between alcohol and Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), you should not drink excessive quantities of alcohol while you are taking Tecfidera, because it may increase the risk of side effects such as inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), especially in those with a history of stomach problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol, especially strong spirits, for at least an hour after taking Tecfidera; however, one glass of alcohol, now and then at a different time of day to your Tecfidera dose is considered OK. Continue reading
Gilenya vs Tecfidera. How do they compare?
Gilenya and Tecfidera are both disease-modifying oral medications approved for the treatment of MS. Both are equally effective although Tecfidera is more likely than Gilenya to be discontinued within 24 months. Gilenya is approved to treat adults and children aged 10 and older and Tecfidera is only approved for adults over the age of 18. Common side effects of Gilenya include heart rhythm disturbances, diarrhea, infections, and elevations in liver enzymes and common side effects of Tecfidera include flushing, gastrointestinal disturbances, and infections. Tecfidera is slightly more expensive than Gilenya. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- How long can you take Tecfidera?
- Can Tecfidera cause stomach damage?
- Does Tecfidera cause weight gain or loss?
- Can Tecfidera cause low lymphocytes?
- How long does it take Tecfidera to start working?
- Can Tecfidera cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)?
- What are monoclonal antibodies?
- Is Kesimpta better than Ocrevus?
- How much does Ocrevus cost?
- Briumvi vs Ocrevus: How do they compare?
- How long does it take Ocrevus to work?
- Ocrevus side effects: What are 5 key side effects to watch for?
- How long does an Ocrevus infusion take?
- Is Ocrevus a form of chemotherapy?
- How does Ocrevus work for MS?
- Ocrevus Copay Assistance: Do I qualify? How much can I save?
- What types of MS does Ocrevus treat?
- Ocrevus vs Aubagio: How do they compare for MS?
- Can Gilenya cause high blood pressure?
- Can Gilenya cause weight gain?
- Can Gilenya cause headaches?
- Gilenya and the covid-19 vaccine, what should I know?
- How much does Gilenya cost?
- What happens when you stop taking Gilenya?
- Does Gilenya suppress the immune system?
- Where is Gilenya manufactured and by whom?
- How long does it take Gilenya to work?
- Does Gilenya cause hair loss?
- What does Gilenya do for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Related support groups
- Tecfidera (15 questions, 55 members)
- Ocrevus (15 questions, 16 members)
- Gilenya (14 questions, 84 members)
- Aubagio (11 questions, 30 members)
- Dimethyl Fumarate (11 questions, 6 members)
- Fingolimod (9 questions, 9 members)
- Mavenclad (9 questions, 3 members)
- Ocrelizumab (7 questions, 3 members)
- Teriflunomide (6 questions, 4 members)
- Mayzent (6 questions, 4 members)
- Zeposia (5 questions, 4 members)