Table 1.

FDA-approved therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis with corresponding mechanism of action and pharmacologic category^1,2,5,7,8

	Mechanism of action	Pharmacologic category
Fingolimod	Prevents the release of lymphocytes from lymph nodes, reducing the number of lymphocytes and inflammation within the CNS	Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator
Glatiramer acetate	Induces and activates T-lymphocyte suppressor cells specific to myelin antigen and interferes with antigen-presenting function of immune cells opposing pathogenic T-cell function	Biologic
Interferon beta-1a	Alters the expression and response of surface antigens and enhances immune cell activities	Interferon
Interferon beta-1b	Alters the expression and response of surface antigens and enhances immune cell activities	Interferon
Mitoxantrone	Inhibits B-cell, T-cell, and macrophage proliferation; impairs antigen presentation secretion of interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-2	Antineoplastic agent, anthracenedione
Natalizumab	Blocks T-lymphocyte migration into CNS	Monoclonal antibody, selective adhesion-molecule inhibitor (alpha-4-adhesion)
Teriflunomide	Inhibits B- and T-cell proliferation, activation, and production of cytokines	Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor

Note: CNS = central nervous system; FDA = US Food and Drug Administration; IL-2 = interleukin 2.