Which parenteral immunodilators are commonly used in the treatment of MS?

The choice of interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b as parenteral immunodilators in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is rooted in their established mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy. These agents are classified as disease-modifying therapies aimed at reducing the frequency of relapses and delaying the progression of disability in patients with relapsing forms of MS.

Interferon beta products work by modulating the immune system. They help to inhibit the inflammatory response that contributes to the demyelination of neurons in MS. Specifically, interferons can alter the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, reducing the recruitment of immune cells to the central nervous system, and thus limiting the damage to myelin and nerve fibers.

In the context of MS, these therapies have been shown through numerous clinical trials to effectively decrease relapse rates and slow down disease progression, making them a cornerstone in the management of this condition. Points such as the route of administration (typically via intramuscular or subcutaneous injections) further emphasize their categorization as parenteral immunodilators.

Conversely, other options such as glatiramer acetate (which, although effective, is not classified with interferons) and teriflunomide (