Other medications or methods considered as treatment for multiple sclerosis

Other medications or treatment approaches being studied for use in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) include:

• Myelin look-alikes. The success of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), which was designed to resemble natural myelin protein, has led to more research in this area. So far, no other myelin look-alike has shown as much promise as glatiramer acetate.
• Myelin protectors. Ways to repair and restore damaged myelin and nerve fibers are being studied. Researchers are trying to identify ways to stop the immune system from damaging tissue in the first place.
• Monoclonal antibodies that can be made to target the specific cells in the immune system that are attacking the myelin coating of the nerves. They could be effective while avoiding the widespread effects of current medications, which tend to suppress the entire immune system.
• Cytokines, which are naturally occurring body chemicals that control the response of the immune system.
• Female hormones. Studies are under way to determine whether estriol (a form of estrogen) can alter the immune system to keep it from attacking myelin. A connection is suspected between high levels of this hormone, which rise during pregnancy, and an alteration of the immune system to make it less likely to attack tissue, since worsening of MS symptoms during pregnancy is rare.
• Aminopyridines, which appear to improve nerve function in areas of demyelination. In early trials of one form of MS, there was mild to marked benefit with aminopyridine treatment, but the effect lasted only a few hours.
• Statins, which are used to reduce cholesterol. Early studies indicate that statins (such as simvastatin, lovastatin, or mevastatin) may reduce the activity of the immune system that causes inflammation and possibly tissue damage in MS.¹ Much more research is needed to prove any benefits of statins in treating MS.
• Bone marrow transplantation. This is a very new area of research in MS treatment. It is unclear whether bone marrow transplantation is of benefit or harm to people with MS.