EAN 2022 | BTK inhibitors for multiple sclerosis: progressive disease and de-escalation

Giancarlo Comi, MD, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, discusses the usefulness of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors that are on the horizon for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). These agents have a unique profile, as they target both the innate and acquired immune system. This characteristic is important when thinking about tackling the pathology underlying disease progression in MS, as well as inflammatory relapses. BTK inhibitors may also be considered in the de-escalation process, to step in following stronger drugs that reshape the immune system and can only be used for short time. Thus, the BTK inhibitors would help protect from disease reactivation. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2022 Congress in Vienna, Austria.