glatiramer acetate + mitoxantrone

Glatiramer acetate + mitoxantrone is a combination of two drugs used in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Glatiramer acetate is a synthetic mixture of polypeptides composed of L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine. It acts as an immunomodulator by binding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells, preventing myelin basic protein from stimulating these cells. This shifts the immune response from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory and induces regulatory T cells that suppress MS activity[1][2][6]. Mitoxantrone is an antineoplastic agent with immunosuppressive properties; it intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, leading to suppression of B-cell, T-cell, and macrophage function. Mitoxantrone reduces relapse rates and delays disability progression in secondary progressive MS but has limitations due to potential cardiotoxicity[5]. The combination may be considered for certain patients with aggressive or refractory forms of MS.

Other names

GA (for glatiramer acetate)