TREATMENT OF RELAPSING-REMITTING MULTIPLE -SCLEROSIS WITH COPOLYMER-1(GLATIRAMERACETATE)

Experimental data from studies with different myelin proteins (MBP, PL P, MOG) revealed that copolymer-l (Glatirameracetate, cop-1) like conv entional antigens binds to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules of antigen-presenting cells (APC). This is the postulated me chanism for the immunomodulating effect of copolymer-1 in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). A multi centre trial with Cop-1 treated patients with relapsing-remitting mult iple sclerosis showed a significant reduction in the annual rate of ex acerbations. Therefore Cop-1 was licensed by the Food and Drug Adminis tration (FDA) in the USA in December 1996. Cop-1 is injected subcutane ously once daily. Few side effects have been reported. A self-limited systemic post-injection reaction (SPIR) is rarely observed.