Glatiramer Acetate
What is Glatiramer Acetate?
Glatiramer Acetate is a synthetic protein that simulates myelin basic protein, a component of the myelin that insulates nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (2) (3). It is a first-line drug for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease (1) (3). Glatiramer Acetate was originally designed as a stimulant of myelin basic protein (MBP), a myelin antigen involved in the development of MS, to induce experimental autoimmune encephalitis (MS animal model). However, the opposite was observed. Glatiramer Acetate exhibits several immunomodulatory effects and reduces the relapse rate of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by 30% (1).
Dosage
The standard dose of Glatiramer Acetate is 20 mg per day, administered by subcutaneous injection (1).
Side Effects
Common side effects of Glatiramer Acetate include injection site reactions, such as redness, pain, swelling, and itching (1) (3). These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days. Rarely, Glatiramer Acetate can cause serious side effects such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing (1).
Interactions
There are no known interactions between Glatiramer Acetate and other medications or supplements (1).
Time of Day and With or Without Food
Glatiramer Acetate can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food (1).
Human Studies
Glatiramer Acetate has been extensively studied in humans and has been shown to be effective in reducing the relapse rate of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by 30% (1). It is generally well-tolerated, and its side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days (1).
In conclusion, Glatiramer Acetate is a synthetic protein that simulates myelin basic protein, a component of the myelin that insulates nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. It is a first-line drug for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. The standard dose is 20 mg per day, administered by subcutaneous injection. Glatiramer Acetate has been extensively studied in humans and has been shown to be effective in reducing the relapse rate of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by 30%. Its side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days, and there are no known interactions with other medications or supplements.
Citations:
(1) https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB05259
(2) https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Glatiramer-acetate
(3) https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Copaxone
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3963480/
(5) https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/13/11/14579
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2654627/