What is the role of cladribine (Mylinax) in multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Cladribine (Mylinax) is an immunosuppressant drug used to treat hairy cell leukemia and has shown benefits for people with remitting-relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), both primary and secondary. Mylinax appears to stop metabolism in normal and malignant lymphocytes, some known to damage myelin. Although cladribine produced and sustained significant reductions in number and volume of new enhancing lesions, the drug did not improve scores on the disability scales. Still, it has been designated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a "fast track" product.