Glatiramer Acetate in the Reduction of Relapse Frequency in Multiple Sclerosis

Glatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone ) is a heterogeneous polymer of four amino acids. It is one of the therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996 for treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). GA reduces the relapse rate for RRMS, and has a good safety profile and moderate efficacy. Preclinical and clinical studies reveal that GA plays a role in modulating the cells of the immune system as well as in neuroprotection. In this article, we review the role of GA in reducing the frequency of relapses in MS, as well as its efficacy, safety, and current place in therapy.