Glatiramer acetate (also known as Copolymer 1, Cop-1, or Copaxone -) is animmunomodulator drug currently used to treat multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate is a random polymer of four amino acids found inmyelin basic protein, namely glutamic acid, lysine, alanine, and tyrosine, and may work as a decoy for the immune system.
Although the clinical definition of multiple sclerosis requires two or more episodes of symptoms and signs, glatiramer acetate is approved for treatment after single episodes. Glatiramer acetate is also used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer acetate is administered by subcutaneous injection.
Glatiramer acetate is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reducing the frequency of relapses, but not for reducing the progression of disability. Observational studies, but not randomized controlled trials, suggest that Glatiramer acetate may reduce progression of disability.
