Copaxone Tops the List of Ten Most Profitable Multiple Sclerosis Drugs

A list of the top-ten FDA-approved drugs for patients with multiple sclerosis was compiled byGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News according to sales in 2013. Coming in at number one with $4.328 billion was Copaxone, which is approved for patients with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis, the most common form of the disease. Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) was developed by Teva and is an immunomodulator that prevents hyperactive immune cells from attacking neurological cells and nerves in the brain and spinal cord by acting as a decoy for the myelin sheath. It is a preferred treatment, and a more concentrated three-times-per-week formulation received FDA approval earlier this month.

Not far behind, with a 2013 market share of $3 billion, is Avonex from Biogen Idec. Although it, too, is indicated to treat relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis, there is some evidence that Avonex may help to slow the progression of secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis. The recommended treatment regimen involves a gradual increase in dose from 7.5 mcg each week to 30 mcg each week in order to ameliorate flu-like symptoms that may occur with full 30 mcg at the start of therapy.

Continue reading with information about the other MS medications