MS Trial Atlas, Reference
Glossary
A concise guide to the terms used throughout the atlas.
CSFCerebrospinal fluid
The fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In MS assessment, a CSF sample obtained by lumbar puncture can be tested for evidence of inflammation, including oligoclonal bands.
DMTDisease-modifying therapy
A treatment intended to reduce MS disease activity and, for some therapies and populations, slow disability progression. DMTs differ from treatments used to relieve symptoms or manage an acute relapse.
EDSSExpanded Disability Status Scale
A clinician-rated scale of MS disability from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater disability. It incorporates neurological examination findings and, particularly at higher scores, walking ability. Trials use it both for eligibility and to measure disability change.
MRIMagnetic resonance imaging
An imaging technique used to examine the brain and spinal cord for MS lesions. Trial MRI outcomes may assess new or enlarging lesions and lesions that enhance after gadolinium contrast, a marker of inflammatory activity.
MSMultiple sclerosis
A chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system, affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Damage to myelin and nerve cells can cause a range of neurological symptoms and disability.
PPMSPrimary progressive multiple sclerosis
An MS course characterized by gradual disability progression from the onset of disease, rather than an initial relapsing-remitting course. Disease activity and the rate of progression can vary over time.
RMSRelapsing multiple sclerosis
An umbrella term used in trials for MS with relapsing disease activity. It can include relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and some participants with secondary progressive MS who still have relapses. Each trial’s eligibility criteria determine the population included.
SPMSSecondary progressive multiple sclerosis
An MS course in which an initial relapsing-remitting phase is followed by gradual disability progression. Relapses or MRI activity may still occur; trials may distinguish active from nonrelapsing SPMS.
Generic and brand names
Selected US brand-name examples for therapies studied in the atlas. Names and availability vary by country and over time; trial profiles use generic names. These examples do not imply identical formulations or regimens.
| Generic name | Brand-name example |
|---|---|
| Alemtuzumab | Lemtrada |
| Cladribine (oral) | Mavenclad |
| Dimethyl fumarate | Tecfidera |
| Fingolimod | Gilenya |
| Glatiramer acetate (Copolymer 1) | Copaxone |
| Interferon beta-1a | Avonex (intramuscular); Rebif (subcutaneous) |
| Interferon beta-1b | Betaseron |
| Mitoxantrone | Novantrone (historical brand) |
| Natalizumab | Tysabri |
| Ocrelizumab (intravenous) | Ocrevus |
| Ozanimod | Zeposia |
| Ponesimod | Ponvory |
| Siponimod | Mayzent |
| Teriflunomide | Aubagio |