Locations:
Search IconSearch

New Drug Helps Manage Secondary Progressive MS

FDA approves drug to help treat symptoms of SPMS

Couple living easier with new MS drug

For the first time in more than a decade, the FDA has approved a medication for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis – a hard-to-treat form of the disease that impacts people who have lived with MS for a long period of time.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Neurologist Robert Fox, MD, says trials show the drug, siponimod, which is taken in pill form, is effective in slowing the progression of this form of MS.

“The patients treated with siponimod had a slower progression of disability than the patients treated with the placebo,” he says. “What the trial also found is that the patients who had active inflammation at the beginning of the trial, responded even better to siponimod compared with the placebo.”

Dr. Fox says about 85 percent of MS cases begin with the relapsing-remitting stage, which involves episodes of numbness, weakness or blurry vision.

When doctors can intervene quickly and get the disease under control, most patients do very well long term.

In the early stages of MS, neurological symptoms come and go. About half of those with MS maintain this relapsing-remitting symptom pattern over time. The other half with MS go on to develop progressive disease that gradually worsens over time and causes severe disability.

Secondary progressive MS impacts a person’s ability to walk, use their arms and their cognitive function.

Not a cure, but a step in the right direction

Dr. Fox says it’s key to keep in mind that this new drug is only approved for secondary progressive MS patients who continue to have episodes of numbness, weakness or blurry vision.

Advertisement

And the medicine is only able to slow the progression of MS, not eliminate or cure it.

“An important aspect of this drug is that it’s only partially effective,” he says. “It only slowed the progression of disability by about 21 percent. So it’s not a cure for secondary progressive MS, but we do think that it will be a helpful addition for many patients.”

Side effects and risks

Certain side effects, such as a slowing heart rate was shown during the trials, Dr. Fox notes Therefore, patients with a history of heart rhythm difficulties or heart attack need to talk to their doctor about the safety risks of this medication.

There is also an increased risk to the liver, so liver monitoring is important over the course of taking this therapy.

One thing that experts don’t yet know, he adds, is how well the drug can work for people who have had secondary progressive MS for a long period of time.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Fox is a paid consultant for the company that produces this drug.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Happy, laughing child and caregiver sitting on couch holding video game controllers, playing video games
December 2, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Are Video Games Good for You? Your Brain Thinks So

Imagination, completing tasks and social interactions are all key benefits for your brain

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
November 29, 2024/Primary Care
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

A therapist sitting in chair holding a clipboard and a patient sitting on couch talking in office
November 20, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
How To Pursue an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult

Find a psychiatrist or psychologist in your area who works with autistic adults — or reach out to a pediatric specialist if you can’t find one

Elderly couple sitting on bed talking in bedroom, in early morning light
November 13, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Do You Have Early Signs of Dementia?

If you’re frequently dealing with short-term memory loss, confusion or issues around spatial awareness, you may need to see a neurologist

Elderly patient’s hand being held by a caregiver
November 1, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: Are They The Same?

Alzheimer’s is just one common cause of cognitive decline categorized as ‘dementia’

Person with head against eye exam equipment, with provider looking through other end at eyes
October 30, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Your Vision Can Predict Dementia — Here’s How

Changes to your vision may have an impact on the way your brain processes information

Person holding head in forgetfulness next to close up of a brain and magnifying glass and DNA strand
October 29, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Understanding How Some Dementia Is Hereditary

Your risk for familial Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of hereditary dementia increases if an immediate family member has it

People in a park, walking a dog, sitting on bench, with a child and dotted lines of them running around
October 25, 2024/Children's Health
Autism and Elopement: What You Need To Know About Wandering

Securing your home, preparing your neighbors and teaching your loved one to swim are key to ensuring your child’s safety

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad