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
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
Briumvi vs Ocrevus: How do they compare?
Briumvi (ublituximab) and Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) are two injectable medications that may be used to treat multiple sclerosis in adults. Head-to-head trials directly comparing the Briumvi and Ocrevus have not been conducted, making it difficult to determine which is more effective. Infusion times are shorter with Briumvi compared to Ocrevus, but they cause similar side effects. Continue reading
How long does it take Ocrevus to work?
Ocrevus has some effect at reducing disability progression within about 12 weeks; however, it may take at least 6 months or possibly longer for the full effects to be seen. Continue reading
Ocrevus side effects: What are 5 key side effects to watch for?
Ocrevus can cause serious side effects such as infections, PML, infusion reactions, inflammation of the colon (colitis) infection, and malignancy. Learn about the symptoms of these side effects. Continue reading
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Related support groups
- Ocrevus (15 questions, 16 members)
- Tecfidera (15 questions, 55 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)
- Mayzent (6 questions, 4 members)
- Teriflunomide (6 questions, 4 members)
- Vumerity (5 questions, 3 members)