Glatiramer Acetate, brand names Copaxone and Brabio, belongs to the oldest immunotherapies for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

You can find the written version of this episode on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/065-glatiramer-acetate

This time I am presenting glatiramer acetate, which is known as Copaxone, Brabio or other tradenames and is one of the approved disease-modifying drugs for relapsing forms of MS. It was one of the first drugs to be approved as a preventive therapy for MS patients and was an accidental discovery. Originally intended to induce MS in mice for research purposes, it was suddenly discovered to have a protective effect. Like the fumarates already presented, it has a more broad-based mechanism of action. I will try to give a good overview below without going into absolute depth. And as always, please seek specific advice from MS specialists who know your individual situation, wishes, fears and overall state of health.

Table of Contents

• General Information
• How is glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio) classified in immunotherapies?
• What is glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio) approved for?
• What is the situation for special patient groups?
• Who should avoid glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio)?
• How does glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio) work?
• How is it taken?
• How effective is glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio)?
• Risks and side effects of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Brabio)
• Vaccinations
• Sources
• Final note

Sources

I used the following sources to create the content:

• Lecture on glatiramer acetate (Copaxone and generics) by Prof. Tjalf Ziemssen as part of the Multiple Sclerosis Management master program
• Quality manual of the KKNMS on glatiramer acetate
• MS-Selfie Infocards by Prof. Dr. Gavin Giovannoni 
• German Multiple Sclerosis and Fertility Registry (DMSKW) 
• Information from the German interview with Prof. Dr. Barbara Kornek on pediatric MS 

Final note

Please remember, there is no one great medication that helps everyone, but it must always be weighed up what suits a particular person best. Other illnesses, personal goals and preferences must also be taken into account. Your neurologist and MS nurse are the right persons to talk to and can make individual recommendations. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation. What helps one person may not help another.

I hope that, together with your neurologist and MS nurse, you will quickly find the right immunotherapy for you. And that you can lead a fulfilled, happy and self-determined life with MS, supported by a healthy lifestyle and a dose of fortune.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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