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
- What are monoclonal antibodies?
- Is Kesimpta better than Ocrevus?
- How much does an Ocrevus infusion cost?
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
How long does an Ocrevus infusion take?
The first two times you have Ocrevus it will be infused over at least 2.5 hours, depending on how you tolerate it. However, the whole infusion appointment will take around 5 to 6 hours, because there is a pre-infusion check-up, during which you will receive medications that reduce infusion reactions, and you will need to wait for at least an hour post-infusion so your healthcare team can monitor you for any side effects or infusion reactions. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Is Ocrevus a form of chemotherapy?
- Ocrevus side effects: What are 5 key side effects to watch for?
- 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?
- Is Tecfidera an immunosuppressant?
- How do Vumerity and Tecfidera compare for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
- Can I stop taking Tecfidera? What happens if I do?
- What causes flushing with Tecfidera?
- Can you drink alcohol while taking Tecfidera?
- Gilenya vs Tecfidera. How do they compare?
- 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)?
- Can Gilenya cause weight gain?
- Can Gilenya cause high blood pressure?
- 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
- Ocrevus (15 questions, 15 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)