Future neuroprotective strategies.

Accumulating impairment in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) is the result of increasing axonal damage and neurodegeneration. Current therapeutic strategies only target the inflammatory side of this disease. Convincing effects of all established treatment options in chronic progressive disease stages are lacking. In recent years much progress has been made unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in neuronal and axonal loss in this neuroinflammatory disease. Understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in MS and its animal models is essential to select therapeutic targets which are most likely to reduce long-term disabilities in patients. In this article we review the current knowledge of possible strategies for future neuroprotective therapies for MS patients and point out which treatment options are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.