Tag: Cladribine

Over 30 years of research have demonstrated that multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, immune-mediated disease, creating a rationale for the use of immunosuppressive therapy. A wide range of immunosuppressants are used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, from older chemotherapy agents to newer, highly-targeted monoclonal antibodies and oral drugs.

The cost of cladribine varies dramatically depending on its formulation and intended use, with the generic intravenous solution potentially costing over $7,800 without insurance for a full course of treatment for hairy cell leukemia. However, patient out-of-pocket expenses are heavily influenced by insurance, discounts, and the specific condition being treated, such as cancer or multiple sclerosis.

While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide, a few powerful disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) originated as or are still classified as chemotherapy agents. This guide explains **which MS drugs are chemotherapy**, explores their mechanisms, and distinguishes them from newer, more targeted immune therapies.