glatiramer acetate

Glatiramer acetate is a synthetic mixture of polypeptides composed of four naturally occurring amino acids (L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine) designed to mimic myelin basic protein. It is an immunomodulatory agent used for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease in adults. The precise mechanism of action is not fully understood but it is believed to work by modifying immune processes involved in MS pathogenesis. Glatiramer acetate binds to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells and competes with myelin basic protein for binding sites. This results in the inhibition of pro-inflammatory Th1 responses and induction of anti-inflammatory Th2 suppressor T-cells that can cross the blood-brain barrier and secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines. It may also induce regulatory T-cells that help suppress MS activity[2][4][5][8].

Brand names

CopaxoneGlatopa

Other names

copolymer-1copolymer1copolymer 1glatiramergeneric glatiramer acetate