How is relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treated?

Eighty-five percent of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are originally diagnosed with a relapsing-remitting course of the disease (RRMS). Characterized by a pattern of attacks followed by remissions, RRMS is often treated with first line disease-modifying drugs such as Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, and Rebif (which are frequently referred to as the ABCR drugs), or with Tysabri. There is a growing consensus that treatment should begin as soon as possible after a diagnosis of RRMS and that the therapy should continue indefinitely, except in the event of a clear lack of benefit, intolerable adverse effects, new data, or better therapies.