Dimethyl Fumarate

Multiple Sclerosis

Treatment

1 FDA approval

20 Active Studies for Dimethyl Fumarate

What is Dimethyl Fumarate

Dimethyl fumarate

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Dimethyl fumarate is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat multiple sclerosis with relapsing forms. It is also being studied as a possible treatment for psoriasis. The exact way that it works is not yet known, but it is believed to activate a pathway in the body called the Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway which is triggered when the body is exposed to oxidative stress. Dimethyl fumarate is known by the brand name Tecfidera.

Tecfidera

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Dimethyl Fumarate Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Tecfidera

Dimethyl fumarate

2013

54

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Dimethyl fumarate, otherwise called Tecfidera, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses like Multiple Sclerosis .

Multiple Sclerosis

Helps manage Multiple Sclerosis

Effectiveness

How Dimethyl Fumarate Affects Patients

We don't know exactly how dimethyl fumarate affects the body, but it is believed to reduce inflammation and protect cells. It is used to treat multiple sclerosis, but can lead to serious infections, a decrease in white blood cells, liver damage, anaphylaxis, and swelling of the face and throat. While it does not usually cause long-term changes to the heart rate, it is still important to speak with a doctor about any possible side effects.

How Dimethyl Fumarate works in the body

We don't know exactly how dimethyl fumarate works to treat multiple sclerosis, but it appears to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. It does this by increasing a protein called Nrf2 and decreasing a protein called NF-kappa B, which are both involved in the inflammatory process. Dimethyl fumarate also changes the composition of immune cells, making them less likely to cause inflammation.

When to interrupt dosage

The quantity of Dimethyl Fumarate is contingent upon the diagnosed state. The amount further varies as per the method of delivery (e.g. Capsule, delayed release - Oral or Oral) indicated in the table hereunder.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Multiple Sclerosis

, 120.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg

, Capsule, delayed release, Oral, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Dimethyl Fumarate.

Common Dimethyl Fumarate Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dimethyl fumarate is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.

Acteoside

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dimethyl fumarate is combined with Acteoside.

Antilymphocyte immunoglobulin (horse)

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dimethyl fumarate is combined with Antilymphocyte immunoglobulin (horse).

Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain russian BCG-I live antigen

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain russian BCG-I live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Dimethyl fumarate.

Baricitinib

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dimethyl fumarate is combined with Baricitinib.

Dimethyl Fumarate Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Overdosing on dimethyl fumarate has been reported. There are no specific treatments to remove the drug from the body or counteract the overdose. Symptoms can be managed with supportive care. In animal studies, mice given high doses of dimethyl fumarate had a higher risk of developing tumors in their stomachs and kidneys. At a lower dose, which is equivalent to the recommended human dose, there was no evidence of tumors. Dimethyl fumarate did not cause mutations in bacteria, but did cause chromosomal changes in human cells in laboratory tests.

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Dimethyl Fumarate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Dimethyl Fumarate?

Currently, 193 active studies are investigating the potential of Dimethyl Fumarate to provide a therapeutic benefit for Multiple Sclerosis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Multiple Sclerosis

127 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 1, Early Phase 1

Dimethyl Fumarate Reviews: What are patients saying about Dimethyl Fumarate?

5

Patient Review

1/12/2015

Dimethyl Fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe

I swapped to Tecfiderea from Rebif and the reduction in my fatigue levels has been dramatic.

4.7

Patient Review

10/8/2013

Dimethyl Fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe

I experienced some stomach upset when I first started taking this medication, but it seems like my body has adjusted to it now.

4.3

Patient Review

2/15/2019

Dimethyl Fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Return then Become Less Severe

I think this is one of the best drugs on the market. You could also try dimegen, which is a generic version of Techfidera that's five times cheaper. Just remember that medicines can only prolong the effects of the disease; you have to take care of your health through diet, too. Avoiding non-vegetarian food is a good place to start.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about dimethyl fumarate

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is another name for dimethyl fumarate?

"Dimethyl fumarate is a DMT for relapsing MS that comes in the form of a tablet. Its brand name is Tecfidera."

Answered by AI

What is dimethyl fumarate used for?

"This medicine is used to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. This medicine will not cure MS, but it may slow some disabling effects and decrease the number of relapses of the disease."

Answered by AI

Is dimethyl fumarate toxic?

"Some potential side effects of multiple sclerosis medication include flushing, gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and nausea, and upper abdominal pain. There are also warnings about the possibility of more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, PML, lymphopenia, and liver damage."

Answered by AI

Is dimethyl fumarate FDA approved?

"In March of 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of dimethyl fumarate for the first-line treatment of adults with relapsing forms of MS. Dimethyl fumarate is a nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) activator, which means it helps to improve the function of cells."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Dimethyl Fumarate

Image of Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neurology, University at Buffalo in Buffalo, United States.

Mindset Training for MS

18 - 65
All Sexes
Buffalo, NY

People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often experience cognitive difficulties such as memory problems, concentration issues, and reduced processing speed. These symptoms can have a negative impact on daily functioning and overall quality of life. Previous research on cognitive rehabilitation has shown that regular training focused on memory and concentration can have positive effects on cognitive functioning, including processing speed, memory, and executive functions that support daily activities. Moreover, fMRI studies (brain scans that measure brain activity) have revealed changes in brain activation following cognitive rehabilitation. Recently, the idea has emerged that a more personalized approach could improve treatment outcomes. Specifically, researchers have identified a link between personality traits and cognitive functioning. Since every individual is different, current cognitive rehabilitation programs often fail to take these personal differences into account. In this project, the investigators aim to enhance the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation by focusing more closely on individual characteristics through an app-based training program. Participants will complete a 12-week app training prior to a 6-week cognitive rehabilitation program. The first app focuses on mindset training, supported by a coach. Afterwards, all participants will use a second app designed to train processing speed and memory. In addition to cognitive functioning, the investigators will also examine psychological, (neuro)biological, and social changes using questionnaires and fMRI. This research may provide valuable insights into how cognitive functioning and quality of life in people with MS can be improved. This study is funded by the National MS Fund and is a collaboration between several institutions: the Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology at Leiden University (The Netherlands), the University at Buffalo (USA), and Reha Rheinfelden (Switzerland).

Recruiting
1 Prior Treatment

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Neurology, University at Buffalo

Hanneke E Hulst, Prof

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Ocrelizumab for Multiple Sclerosis

18 - 75
All Sexes
Detroit, MI

This study seeks to assess the effects of long-term ocrelizumab therapy on fatigue (extreme tiredness) as well as cognition (thinking and reasoning skills, such as memory, learning and attention), in veterans with multiple sclerosis. The evaluation will involve cognitive assessment scales (to assess memory, attention and learning abilities), clinical evaluations (to assess nerve function and ability to move), and patient-reported outcome measures (in which you will answer questions about your tiredness, sleep and how you function in daily life). These assessments will occur at baseline (visit 1), 6 month (Visit-2) and 12 months (visit 3) to track changes over time.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

John D. Dingell VA Medical Center

Genentech, Inc.

Image of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in Toronto, Canada.

Balance Training with Electrical Stimulation for Multiple Sclerosis

18 - 65
All Sexes
Toronto, Canada

This study will evaluate the effects of combining balance training with electrical stimulation techniques in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS commonly impairs leg strength, coordination, and balance, increasing the risk of falls and reducing independence. The interventions include:Balance training only, Balance training with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), and Balance training with FES and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS). FES delivers small electrical pulses to leg muscles, while TSCS delivers electrical signals through the skin to stimulate the spinal cord and enhance motor control. The study will enroll up to 24 participants over a 3-year period. This trial is funded by MS Canada. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) balance training only, (2) balance training with FES, or (3) balance training with FES and TSCS. All participants will complete 12 supervised training sessions over 6 weeks. During each session, participants will engage in interactive balance games while standing in a safety harness.Outcome assessments will be conducted at three time points: baseline (prior to training), post-intervention (after 6 weeks), and follow-up (8 weeks after training). Assessments will include: * Clinical tests of mobility and balance (Timed Up and Go:TUG, 10-Meter Walk Test:10MWT, Berg Balance Scale:BBS) * Computerized balance testing using a force plate * Questionnaires on walking ability, fear of falling, and balance confidence * Neurophysiological measures of brain-spinal cord-muscle communication before and after training

Waitlist Available
Senior-friendly

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

Image of Disability Participation and Quality of Life (DPQOL) Laboratory in Urbana, United States.

Fall Prevention Program for Multiple Sclerosis

18+
All Sexes
Urbana, IL

The research team is conducting a study to determine if a fall prevention program designed specifically for people who use wheelchairs and scooters can help people better prevent and manage falls compared to the standard of care. This study will compare two groups of participants: 1. One group will use the iROLL-O+ app, which offers personalized fall prevention tools and strategies. 2. The other group will receive fall prevention information from a well-known program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), called STEADI, which stands for Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries. This study includes adults living with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who use a wheelchair or scooter every day. The research team aims to determine which approach is more effective in reducing falls and improving confidence in performing daily activities.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Disability Participation and Quality of Life (DPQOL) Laboratory

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Autonomic Function Testing for Multiple Sclerosis

18 - 50
All Sexes
Rochester, MN

This study looks to characterize gradients of dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system in patients with clinically diagnosed multiple sclerosis. The autonomic nervous system plays key roles in regulation of blood pressure, skin blood flow, and bladder health- all issues that individuals with multiple sclerosis typically suffer. Focusing on blood pressure regulation, the most precise metric with broad clinical applicability, the investigators will perform laboratory-based tests to probe the body's ability to generate autonomic responses. For both individuals with multiple sclerosis and uninjured controls, laboratory-based experiments will utilize multiple parallel recordings to identify how the autonomic nervous system is able to inhibit and activate signals. The investigators anticipate that those with autonomic dysfunction with multiple sclerosis will exhibit abnormalities in these precise metrics. The investigators will look to see if any substantial connections exist between different degrees of preserved autonomic function and secondary autonomic complications from multiple sclerosis. In accomplishing this, the investigators hope to give scientists important insights to how the autonomic nervous system works after multiple sclerosis and give physicians better tools to manage these secondary autonomic complications.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Mayo Clinic

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