THE USE OF DISEASE-MODIFYING THERAPIES IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Principles and Current Evidence
A Consensus Paper by the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition
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ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this paper, which was developed by the member organizations of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition*, is to summarize current evidence about disease modification in multiple sclerosis (MS) and provide support for broad and sustained access to MS disease-modifying therapies for people with MS in the United States.
Development Process: The original writing and development team comprised of professional staff representing the Coalition organizations (Rosalind Kalb, Kathleen Costello, June Halper, Lisa Skutnik and Robert Rapp) developed a draft for review and input by nine external reviewers (Brenda Banwell, Aliza BenZacharia, James Bowen, Bruce Cohen, Bruce Cree, Suhayl Dhib-Jalbut, Daniel Kantor, Flavia Nelson and Nancy Sicotte). The reviewers, selected for their experience and expertise in MS clinical care and research, were charged with ensuring the accuracy, completeness and fair balance of the content. The revised paper was then submitted for review by the medical advisors of the Coalition member organizations.
The final paper, incorporating feedback from these advisors, was endorsed by all Coalition members, and subsequently by Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS), and published in November 2014.
Updates with Reviews by External Reviewers and ACTRIMS for their Endorsement:
March 2015
July 2016
March 2017
September 2018
June 2019
*The Multiple Sclerosis Coalition was founded in 2005 to increase opportunities for cooperation and provide greater opportunity to leverage the effective use of resources for the benefit of the MS community. Member organizations include Accelerated Cure, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and United Spinal Association. MS Views and News serves as an affiliate member (since 2015).