Advances in the Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT

Treatment options for patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) so far have relied on off-label and empiric drugs. Advances in the understanding of NMOSD pathogenesis have led to the development of highly effective disease-modifying therapies, and for the first time in this disease, class I treatment evidence is available. We aim to shortly summarize the pathogenesis and biological targets for acute and preventive therapy of patients with NMOSD. We focus on conventional immunotherapies and the recently approved novel biological drugs, eculizumab, inebilizumab, and satralizumab, and conclude with a brief outlook on future therapeutic approaches.