Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a major inflammatory 
component that constitutes the most common progressive and disabling 
neurological condition in young adults. Injectable immunomodulatory medicines 
such as interferon drugs and glatiramer acetate have dominated the MS market for 
over the past two decades but this situation is set to change. This is because 
of: (i) patent expirations, (ii) the introduction of natalizumab, which targets 
the interaction between leukocytes and the blood-CNS barrier, (iii) the launch 
of three oral immunomodulatory drugs (fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate and 
teriflunomide), with another (laquinimod) under regulatory review and (iv) a 
number of immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, daclizumab and 
ocrelizumab) about to enter the market. Current and emerging medicines are 
reviewed and their impact on people with MS considered.