Currently, there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Many patients do well with no therapy at all, while others need some form of medication to help lessen the horrible symtoms that MS often cause.

Until recently, the principal medications physicians used to treat MS were steroids possessing anti-inflammatory properties; these include adrenocorticotropic hormone (better known as ACTH), prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone.

While steroids do not affect the course of MS over time, they can reduce the duration and severity of attacks in some patients. The mechanism behind this effect is not known. Because steroids can produce numerous adverse side effects (acne, weight gain, seizures, psychosis), they are not recommended for long-term use.

One of the most promising MS research areas involves naturally occurring antiviral proteins known as interferons. Two forms of beta interferon (Avonex)and(Betaseron) have now been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Beta interferon has been shown to reduce the number of exacerbations and may slow the progression of physical disability. When attacks do occur, they tend to be shorter and less severe. In addition, MRI scans suggest that beta interferon can decrease myelin destruction.

Investigators speculate that the effects of beta interferon may be due to the drug's ability to correct an MS-related deficiency of certain white blood cells that suppress the immune system and/or its ability to inhibit gamma interferon, a substance believed to be involved in MS attacks. Alpha interferon is also being studied as a possible treatment for MS. Common side effects of interferons include fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, fatigue, depression, and injection site reactions.

Scientists continue their extensive efforts to create new and better therapies for MS Goals of therapy:

1. To improve recovery from attacks
2. To prevent or lessen the number of relapses
3. To halt disease progression

Drug therapies that are currently used to treat Multiple Sclerosis and are available to MS patients are:

1. Interferons and Beta-Interferons:
   • Avonex
   • Betaseron
   • Copaxone

2. Steroids:
   • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
   • Prednisone
   • Prednisolone
   • Methylprednisolone
   • Betamethasone
   • Dexamethasone