Which therapy is used as a disease-modifying treatment for multiple sclerosis?

• A. Glucocorticoids
• B. Interferon beta therapy
• C. Natalizumab
• D. Plasmapheresis

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis aim to slow the immune-driven damage in the CNS, reducing relapse frequency and slowing disability progression over time. Interferon beta therapy fits this role best here because it modulates the immune response to the CNS, decreasing inflammatory activity. Clinically, this translates into fewer relapses and a slower accumulation of disability with long-term use.

Glucocorticoids, by contrast, are used to treat acute MS relapses and speed recovery, but they don’t change the long-term disease course. Plasmapheresis is a rescue option for severe, steroid-refractory relapses rather than a chronic disease modifier. Natalizumab is another disease-modifying option but carries higher risks (like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) and is not the classic first-line choice in many exam contexts. So interferon beta therapy is the best fit as a disease-modifying treatment.