Disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis in Latin America

Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin. 2017 Sep 25;3(3):2055217317723369. doi: 10.1177/2055217317723369. eCollection 2017 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

The treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become increasingly complex during the last 10 years, mainly because of the advent of new and more potent disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In Latin America, the therapeutic repertoire available for MS treatment is similar to the one in the rest of the world, but the high costs of these drugs, in conjunction with the limited resources of the social security health systems, makes the treatment of MS more difficult. For neurologists in Latin America, providing personalized MS treatment has become a challenge. We present a review of the status of the DMT in Central and South America, benefits as well as limitations for providing full access to these medications in Latin America.

Keywords: Disease-modifying therapies; second-line treatment; treatment response.

Publication types

  • Review