New aspects of MS therapy with glatiramer acetate - An update review

A growing body of evidence characterizes the status of glatiramer acetate ( formerly named Copolymer-l) in MS therapy. Recent in-vitro findings indicat e induction of antiinflammatory cytokine shifts and a TH2-weighted cellular immune response. Magnetic resonance imaging findings from a recent multice nter study in 239 patients with remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis demo nstrate a 29% reduction in contrast-enhancing lesions compared to placebo o ver a 9-month period. Increase of cerebral T2-lesion load was reduced by 45 %. Observations of effective oral administrations in animal models are prom ising for future therapeutic strategies in man.