Der Nervenarzt
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Interferon beta and glatiramer acetate are still considered to be the first-line therapeutics for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The use of new compounds, such as natalizumab or fingolimod, is restricted to severe forms of relapsing MS or cases refractory to first-line treatment owing to substance-specific risk-benefit considerations. Teriflunomide is a new compound which has recently been approved as a first-line treatment of relapsing forms of MS in the USA and Australia. ⋯ In patients treated with teriflunomide regular monitoring of blood cell counts and liver enzymes is required. Teriflunomide must not be used during pregnancy. In this article the recent phase II and phase III clinical trial data are reviewed and the potential of teriflunomide for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS is discussed.