Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies play an important role in the therapy of different autoimmune diseases. With the introduction of natalizumab, the importance of monoclonal antibodies in the therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS) has dramatically increased during the past years.
Areas covered: In this review, we will focus on newly approved and emerging antibodies for MS therapy. Based on published original articles and citable meeting abstracts, we will discuss their mode of action as well as data on efficacy and safety.
Expert opinion: Natalizumab was a breakthrough in MS therapy. However, side effects of this monoclonal antibody limit its use. The risk/benefit ratios of new biologicals in MS therapy are not yet clear. High-yield process daclizumab might qualify as first-line MS therapy, unless hepatotoxicity becomes a relevant safety concern. Alemtuzumab has been approved for MS therapy in Europe but will be reserved for selected patients with highly active disease due to frequent induction of potentially dangerous secondary autoimmune phenomena. Ocrelizumab will likely also be licensed as a second-line therapy in highly active MS. Neutralizing antibodies to interleukin (IL)-17A and blocking antibodies to leucine rich repeat and Ig domain containing 1 might be the most interesting upcoming new antibodies as both offer a new and pathophysiologically relevant approach in MS therapy.