Neurológia pre prax 2/2016

Glatiramer acetate: long-term immunomodulatory therapy in multiple sclerosis – safety, efficacy, adherence and persistence assesment

Glatiramer acetate, an immunomodulatory drug which has long been used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the phase of a clini cally isolated syndrome and relapsing- remitting course. The etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis are included in both the innate and heterogeneous immune inflammatory mechanisms and creeping neurodegenerative changes. Expected therapeutic effect of Glatiramer acetate is an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. It is approved as first-line drug in 57 countries, and its exposure is over 20 years of continuous clinical use and monitoring. Its effect upon the early treatment of clinically isolated syndrome slows the onset of clinically definite multiple sclerosis with relapsing/remitting forms reduces annual average relapse rate, affects the activity of the findings on magnetic resonance imaging. It is not associated with immunosuppression, does not increase the number of infections, does not produce neutralizing antibodies and has a favorable safety profile. Daily application of 20mg / ml Glatiramer acetate brings in the long course of escalating local side effects. The new formula Glatiramer acetate 40mg / ml applied three times a week to patients brings significant reduction in unpleasant side effects, thereby improving life comfort and adherence to treatment.

Keywords: glatiramer acetate, sclerosis multiplex, clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis, adherence, persistence, EDSS-Expanded Disability Status Scale.