A recent research has shed light on how a particular category of drugs make things all the more complex for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. While the drugs are used to treat other autoimmune diseases, for those dealing with MB, it can have serious consequences.

There is no doubt that MS is a medical challenge and that’s why so much of attention is being given to it. It is the combined effect of genetic and environmental factors that kicks the complex autoimmune disease. It is believed that tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) is behind the disease. It is spotted on the cell surfaces and is found to be responsible for the TNF signalling molecule.

"The effects of genetic variants influencing disease risk or resistance can be amplified by drugs. This has often been completely overlooked, but will be critical for using genetic findings in a medical context”, said Professor Lars Fugger of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, who spearheaded the research.

However, researchers are of the view that drugs which can inhibit TNF can actually make symptoms of the disease all the more worst in patients. It is yet to be found if in case this variant is not found in MS patients, then the TNF-blocking drugs might prove to be effective.