Multiple sclerosis: early treatment slows disease
16 October 2009
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been given a glimmer of hope after a worldwide trial showed early treatment could delay onset of the disease (Lancet, online 7 October).
A randomised, double-blinded trial undertaken in 16 countries found injections of glatiramer acetate reduced the risk of developing clinically definite MS by 45 per cent compared with placebo (dummy treatment).
The time for 25 per cent of patients to convert to definite disease was more than doubled – from 336 days in the placebo group to 722 days in the treatment group.
The most common side events were reactions at the injection site and immediate post-injection reactions.
Glatiramer acetate (brand name Copaxone) is currently approved for treating relapsing-remitting forms of MS.
Last Reviewed: 16 October 2009
