Which therapies are considered disease-modifying treatments for relapsing-remitting MS?

Which therapies are considered disease-modifying treatments for relapsing-remitting MS?

• A. Beta-interferon or glatiramer acetate
• B. Amantadine
• C. Baclofen
• D. Diazepam

Answer: (A)

In relapsing-remitting MS, therapies that modify the disease course aim to reduce the frequency of relapses and slow accumulation of disability by altering the immune attack on myelin. Beta-interferon and glatiramer acetate are classic disease-modifying treatments. They work by modulating the immune system: interferon-beta dampens inflammatory activity, decreases T cell activation and migration into the central nervous system, and lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines. Glatiramer acetate acts as a myelin peptide mimic that shifts the immune response away from a destructive attack toward a more tolerogenic, anti-inflammatory profile. Together, they reduce relapse rates and slow progression, addressing the underlying disease process rather than only treating symptoms. The other agents are not disease-modifying. Amantadine is used to combat fatigue, which is a common symptom of MS. Baclofen and diazepam address spasticity and muscle tone issues rather than changing the disease trajectory.

In relapsing-remitting MS, therapies that modify the disease course aim to reduce the frequency of relapses and slow accumulation of disability by altering the immune attack on myelin.

Beta-interferon and glatiramer acetate are classic disease-modifying treatments. They work by modulating the immune system: interferon-beta dampens inflammatory activity, decreases T cell activation and migration into the central nervous system, and lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines. Glatiramer acetate acts as a myelin peptide mimic that shifts the immune response away from a destructive attack toward a more tolerogenic, anti-inflammatory profile. Together, they reduce relapse rates and slow progression, addressing the underlying disease process rather than only treating symptoms.

The other agents are not disease-modifying. Amantadine is used to combat fatigue, which is a common symptom of MS. Baclofen and diazepam address spasticity and muscle tone issues rather than changing the disease trajectory.