What are the newest and most promising treatments for multiple sclerosis?

Fatigue is the number one reason that people with MS leave the work force.  The treatments for fatigue are not very effective. The drug treatments help slightly. Exercise helps slightly. But since MS is a progressive disease the problems with fatigue typically worsen overtime despite therapy. A dietary approach has the potential to make a big difference in fatigue and energy. In our clinical trial and our clinics, reduction in fatigue and improved energy and mental clarity are the first things that people typically report.  Some people notice the change within two weeks.  The diet of 9 cups of vegetables (3 cups greens, 3 cups sulfur rich and 3 cups color), high quality protein while excluding gluten, dairy and eggs to reduce the risk of food sensitivities (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24476345

Thanks for the A2A. As alluded to, there are new drugs constantly in the works.  They may have different methods of action, but ultimately all the drugs do the same thing: reduce the severity and duration of relapses, and slow down the disease progression. Tysabri works by preventing lymphocytes from crossing the blood-brain barrier by actively attaching to the lymphocytes.  Interestingly, the theory about "leaky gut" is also predicated on lymphocytes crossing the peritoneum, and Tysabri also prevents this as well.  So Tysabri is used to treat Crohn's Disease as well as MS.  Tysabri is delivered by monthly infusion. Gilenya works by preventing lymphocytes from leaving the lymph nodes in the first place.  This has the added side effect of potentially decreasing the body's ability to fight infections (in some patients it does), but Gilenya has been very effective at slowing disease progression as well.  Gilenya is an oral medication. Beyond new medications, scientists continue to work on discovering the potential causes of MS, and while that work is ongoing, there haven't been any breakthroughs yet.  Tom also alluded to the work being done to restore the myelin that was damaged by MS. There is lots of promising research being done there as well.

Of course, a neurologist who treats MS patients is your best source of information on new MS treatments. I am not a doctor, but have researched treatments. Unless a drug is approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) or EMA (European Medicines Agency), I do not consider it an option. Unfortunately, some people, desperate for a cure or effective treatment, have put their hopes in all types of unproven remedies. These remedies have not been verified by proper clinical trials using proven methods to determine efficacy. Many offer literature or have websites with "testimonials" by individuals as to how the treatment helped them, but anecdotal testimonials like these are not evidence. Oral medications have become available in the last few years. Here are two with which I am familiar and which are currently being prescribed: Tecfidera http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm345528.htm Gilenya  http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications Lemtrada is a newer treatment intravenously administered over a period of days. It is an annual treatment. Because it carries a risk of side effects it is only recommended for treatment of those who have not responded to at least two other MS treatments. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Lemtrada I mention Tysabri even though it has been out for several years because it's efficacy has been impressive. However, there have been cases in which people died or were paralyzed because of PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy), and it is only available in the US under a strict provider program. It is also only recommended for those who have not responded to other MS treatments. Before prescribing, A neurologist will usually assess your risk for developing PML. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Tysabri-%C3%82%C2%AE http://www.tysabri.com/about/safety Currently, all of the drug treatments for MS are known to slow the progression of the disease, not cure it or fix the damage that has occurred. Some of the greatest hopes for MS treatments have to do with treatments that might restore the myelin sheath destroyed in MS lesions. There are many trials underway, but to my knowledge no treatments have been approved by the FDA or EMA. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS/Myelin Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), a surgical procedure based upon a hypothesis as to what causes MS, made the headlines in Europe and the US, but the original findings have been questioned and more studies are being done. http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/features/ccsvi-and-multiple-sclerosis National Multiple Sclerosis Society information on current MS medications: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications

Teriflunomide, di-methyl fumarate are promising new drugs that can be used to treat MS. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists have also designed a new anti-inflammatory molecule that could halt MS progression. For more information, check out these excellent articles. http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/promising-new-treatments#1 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/291032.php

In terms of the newest that I've personally see do anything... Ampyra works well for Foot Drop. LDN works well for mood, energy and fatigue. LDN and Ampyra together have worked really well for my mom. By themselves, they are a lot less powerful.

A new development in treating your oxidative stress with an all natural product which has shown promising results. MS amplifies your oxidative stress and reducing it effectively is similar to turning back the age on a cellular level. This is now possible by addressing it with Nrf2 technology. I talk of this as the messenger, this product currently has 15 peer reviewed studies in http://pubmed.com.  If you want more information contact me!  Good Health for all of us!

I have been living well with MS since being diagnosed in 2001 at age 20, and have FELT the best after really cleaning up my diet and eating what was best for my body, which by chance matches Dr Wahls suggestions below. I had taken allergy tests and gotten tested for nutrients that led to the changes and cut grains/eggs/dairy/legumes for a year, I am not as strict about it now but know that when things get harder there is something I can do, so far so good!

There is a new perspective of stem cell solution being talked about in the CNS disease fields. Siddharthan Chandran: Can the damaged brain repair itself? #TED : http://on.ted.com/h0ALa I'm from India and my brother is suffering from this disease for last 6-7 years. We tried interferon in initial stages but could not cope up with the side effects and cost. No neurologist in India approve of stem cell solution for MS. We contacted quite a few. There is this one hematologist who tried it on few patients, where success ratio is 25% is what he claims. Is there any part of world where its been practiced for MS and have some potential results. Please share if you have any info on that.