Can Biologics Treat My Multiple Sclerosis?

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) means facing a variety of symptoms that impact your daily life. As you navigate treatment options, you may wonder if newer therapies, like biologics, can help manage your MS.

With so many possibilities available, it’s important to understand how biologics work and whether they might be a good option for your treatment plan.

Watch the video: Can Biologics Treat My Multiple Sclerosis?

How Do Biologics Treat MS?

Biologics are advanced medications made from living organisms. They target unique parts of your immune system that contribute to inflammation and nerve damage in MS.

In MS, your immune system mistakenly attacks your nerves’ protective covering (myelin). This action leads to symptoms like muscle weakness, vision problems, fatigue, and coordination issues. Unfortunately, over time, these attacks can cause irreversible nerve damage.

Biologics aim to reduce the frequency and severity of these attacks by suppressing specific immune responses, preventing your immune system from damaging your nerves further.

Although they are not a cure, their ability to reduce inflammation can help slow the progression of MS, lessen the impact of relapses, and improve your quality of life.

Which Biologics Are Available to Treat MS?

Several biologics are now available to treat MS, each working in unique ways to target different aspects of the immune system. Some of the biologics approved for MS include:

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus): Approved for both relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS), Ocrelizumab works by targeting a type of immune cell called B-cells, which plays a significant role in attacking the nervous system in MS patients.

It’s administered through infusions every six months.

Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada): This biologic targets immune cells called lymphocytes (T-cells and B-cells) and is typically used for patients with relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease who haven’t responded to other treatments.

This drug is also a biologic infusion administered over eight days, split into two rounds. The second round is given 12 months after the initial dose.

Natalizumab (Tysabri): Natalizumab is another biologic for relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.

It prevents immune T cells from crossing into the brain and spinal cord, helping to reduce the risk of further nerve damage. This biologic is administered via infusion once a month.

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Finding the proper treatment for your MS is a journey, and one you don’t have to take alone.

Your healthcare team is crucial in determining if biologics are the right fit for you. Not every biologic works for every patient, so having an open and ongoing dialogue with your doctor is essential. They will consider factors like the type of MS you have (whether it’s relapsing-remitting, primary progressive, or secondary progressive), your treatment history, and any potential side effects.

Although only your doctor can prescribe biologic therapy, you have a right to ask about all potential therapies, their risks, and benefits before deciding.

Regular check-ins with your doctor can help track how well the treatment works and whether any adjustments are necessary. This collaborative approach ensures you receive personalized care that addresses your needs.

The Path Forward

If you’re living with MS, it’s understandable to want to explore every option to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Biologics are one of the many tools available today to help you regain control over your MS. They may help reduce relapses, slow disease progression, and minimize symptoms.

Biologics are making a difference for many patients and could be the right choice for you, too. We encourage you to work with your healthcare team to explore the best treatments for your health and well-being.