Disease-modifying therapies for MS have come a long way, and the latest research is paving the way for safer, more personalized care – but what does that mean for you?
For years, most multiple sclerosis treatments worked by suppressing the immune system to keep inflammation under control. But sometimes, that meant dealing with unwanted side effects or feeling like your body’s defenses were weaker than you’d like.
Today’s disease-modifying therapies (DMTs for MS) are being designed to protect or even retrain the immune system instead of shutting it down. These newer approaches are changing what long-term MS care can look like and opening the door to safer treatment options.
By the way, have we met? I’m Dr. Gretchen Hawley, an MS-Specialized Physical Therapist and founder of The MSing Link – an online wellness program, podcast, and book that helps people with MS move better and feel stronger. I turn complex research into simple, practical tools and strategies you can use in your everyday life.
When you live with multiple sclerosis, it’s natural to wonder what’s happening inside your body and how different MS treatments can help. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are medications that slow MS progression, reduce inflammation, and prevent new lesions from forming.
Traditional DMTs work by suppressing the immune system to prevent attacks on the nervous system. However, that can sometimes make you more vulnerable to infections or other side effects.
The newest wave of disease-modifying therapies for MS focus on preserving or even resetting the immune system instead. The goal? To help it function normally while stopping it from attacking the myelin around your nerves.
Instead of “turning off” your immune system, they aim to teach it how to behave properly again.
Not all disease-modifying therapies for MS work the same way–each one interacts with your immune system differently. Some calm it down, others retrain it, and newer ones aim to keep it strong while reducing inflammation.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the key differences:
Your neurologist will tailor treatment based on your MS type, health history, and how your immune system responds. As an MS Specialist, I’m really excited about this shift toward immune-preserving approaches.
It’s one of the most promising things we’ve seen in treatment for multiple sclerosis, and could mean giving patients and doctors safer options for long-term care.
As of November 2025, there are more than twenty FDA-approved DMTs and several exciting ones still in clinical trials. With that in mind, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which ones to watch. But don’t worry–I’ve been watching them for you!
Here are four treatments that are leading the way toward immune-protective MS care.
Have you ever worried about what happens when you stop your medication? You’re not alone. Many people with MS fear “rebound” activity, when symptoms return or worsen after discontinuing a treatment.
The encouraging news is that studies on Zeposia showed zero rebound activity after stopping treatment. In fact, nearly 97 percent of participants had no relapses in the first 90 days, and only a small number experienced mild symptoms months later.
Approved in 2020 for relapsing MS and active secondary progressive MS, Zeposia works by modulating the immune response rather than shutting it down. That means it can calm inflammation without wiping out your body’s ability to fight infection.
What this means: It’s a reminder that DMTs for MS are evolving toward safety and balance, not just symptom control.
Planning a pregnancy while managing MS can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure how your current medications might affect your baby. Ocrevus is one of the most widely used disease-modifying therapies for MS, and the latest research offers exciting news for women.
Trials found minimal transfer across the placenta and undetectable levels in breast milk and infant serum six weeks after birth, with babies showing healthy immune function. Every case is different, but this suggests that Ocrevus exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding is very low.
What this means: It’s a huge step forward for women who want to continue treatment while protecting their baby’s health. It also gives neurologists more flexibility to personalize treatment plans around family-planning goals.
CAR T-cell therapy might be the one I’m most excited about right now, because it represents a brand-new way to treat MS – one that could eventually change the course of the disease.
Instead of suppressing the immune system, this treatment uses your own T cells, reprograms them to stop attacking myelin, and then reintroduces them into your body. The goal is to reset your immune system entirely, teaching it to function normally without long-term medication.
In early clinical trials, some patients experienced no new lesions for six months after just one treatment. Researchers believe it may lead to long-term remission with minimal side effects.
What it means: CAR T-cell therapy could one day retrain your immune system to protect you, offering hope for lasting remission without ongoing medication.
For people who’ve struggled with side effects from immune-depleting therapies, Frexalimab is one of the most hopeful new options on the horizon. It works by blocking immune-cell communication instead of destroying the cells, which helps calm inflammation while keeping your immune system strong.
In clinical studies, 92 percent of participants were relapse-free after two years, 89 percent had fewer brain lesions, and immune cell levels remained completely stable. Researchers describe this as a high-efficacy, non-depleting therapy–a breakthrough for anyone who wants to preserve immune health without sacrificing results.
Phase 3 trials (called FREVIA and FREXALT) are currently recruiting, and early data shows that Frexalimab could dramatically reduce relapses while maintaining full immune function.
What this means: Frexalimab could offer strong MS control without weakening your immune system, which is major for people who haven’t tolerated other treatments well.
While newer DMTs are paving the way for immune-preserving care, several established options still play an important role in MS treatment. These include Mavenclad (cladribine), Mayzent (siponimod), Gilenya (fingolimod), Aubagio (teriflunomide), Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), and Tysabri (natalizumab) – all shown to reduce relapses and slow disease progression.
Mavenclad helps reset the immune system by temporarily lowering certain immune cells. Mayzent and Gilenya are S1P receptor modulators that keep overactive immune cells inside lymph nodes, reducing attacks on the brain and spinal cord.
Aubagio and Tecfidera calm inflammation through oral therapy, while Tysabri blocks immune cells from crossing into the central nervous system. Each one has unique benefits and potential side effects, so finding the right fit depends on your MS type, lifestyle, and treatment history.
What this means: These well-known DMTs remain effective tools today, but emerging immune-preserving therapies may offer safer, longer-term options worth considering.
Learning about disease-modifying therapies for MS can feel like stepping into a whole new world of acronyms and confusing medical terms. You don’t need to have all the answers, but knowing what to ask can make your next doctor’s appointment feel less overwhelming.
Whether you’re currently on a DMT, have taken one in the past, or are simply curious about what’s new, here are a few thoughtful questions you could bring to your MS care team:
Every case of MS is unique, and it’s important to partner with your care team to stay informed as research evolves. By knowing what to ask, you can feel more confident navigating tricky conversations about your health and making choices that align with you.
This is such an exciting time in MS research. Just a decade ago, there were fewer than ten approved DMTs. Today, there are more than twenty, and several more are on the way. In my opinion, the future of multiple sclerosis treatments is about developing smarter, safer options that work with your immune system for long-term health.
Instead of suppressing the immune system, these new therapies aim to preserve, calm, or retrain it for lasting stability. That means:
The key takeaway? You have more options (and more control) than ever before.
MS research is moving quickly, and these breakthroughs are just the beginning. Staying informed helps you and your care team make decisions that truly support your health. You deserve to feel empowered and hopeful in your journey, and disease-modifying therapies for MS bring us closer to that reality.
Want to dig deeper? My MS Research Made Simple course breaks down 26+ hours of up-to-date findings in 10 simple modules, without any of the confusing medical jargon. It’s everything so many of my clients with MS wish they’d had when they were first diagnosed with MS – from emerging treatments to remyelination and how to protect your brain.
Have any questions about DMTs or other areas of MS research? Send me a DM on Instagram @doctor.gretchen – I’d love to hear from you!
Learn about the latest disease-modifying therapies for MS that aim to protect and retrain the immune system instead of suppressing it. Discover how these new treatment options are transforming long-term multiple sclerosis care and what they could mean for your health.
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com