PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of 
novel and imminently emerging disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) intended to be 
used in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
RECENT FINDINGS: Novel and imminently emerging DMTs for the treatment of RRMS 
include alemtuzumab, daclizumab, ocrelizumab, pegylated interferon-β-1a, and 
three times weekly glatiramer acetate. These DMTs have substantially different 
mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety and tolerability profiles, which are 
summarized concisely in this article.
SUMMARY: The treatment landscape of RRMS is evolving rapidly as the available 
treatment options have doubled in recent years, and a number of novel DMTs will 
likely become available in the near future. Choosing the optimal DMT for 
patients is becoming an increasingly complex process, and the care of patients 
with MS will likely require regular input from neurologists subspecializing in 
the care of patients with MS. As the use of novel DMTs with unknown long-term 
safety profiles increases, postmarketing surveillance and vigilance with regards 
to safety monitoring will be essential to confirm the safety and clinical 
efficacy of these DMTs for patients with RRMS.