Glatiramer acetate
Indications
Glatiramer acetate is used for:
For reduction of the frequency of relapses in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
Adult Dose
Child Dose
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Precautions
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Glatiramer acetate :
Mechanism of Action
Glatiramer acetate (GA) exhibits strong and promiscuous binding to MHC molecules (HLA DRB1* variants) and consequent competition with various myelin antigens for their presentation to T cells. A further aspect of its action is potent induction of specific suppressor cells of the T helper 2 (Th2) type that migrate to the brain and lead to in situ bystander suppression. Furthermore, the GA-specific cells in the brain express the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta, in addition to brain-derived neurotrophic factor, whereas they do not express the inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma. Recent evidence also suggests that Glatiramer acetate directly inhibits dendritic cells and monocytes - both of which are circulating antigen presenting cells.