Types of DMT used to treat MS DMT used in country of interest? World Bank category High income WHO region European Global results
% of countries reporting using each DMT
Alemtuzumab Yes 89% 76% 55%
Azathioprine Yes 64% 56% 67%
Cladribine (IV) No 16% 12% 10%
Cladribine (oral) Yes 80% 71% 51%
Cyclophosphamide No 48% 51% 48%
Dimethyl fumarate Yes 89% 76% 57%
Fingolimod Yes 95% 88% 76%
Fludarabine No 5% 5% 2%
Fumaderm No 7% 10% 4%
Glatiramer acetate Yes 89% 85% 64%
Interferon-beta 1a Yes 100% 98% 86%
Interferon-beta 1b Yes 100% 93% 80%
Leflunomide No 9% 10% 9%
Methotrexate Yes 45% 44% 40%
Minocycline No 7% 2% 4%
Mitoxantrone Yes 70% 76% 61%
Natalizumab Yes 98% 83% 68%
Ocrelizumab Yes 89% 85% 65%
Peginterferon-beta 1a No 75% 61% 36%
Rituximab Yes 75% 68% 69%
Siponimod No 23% 17% 11%
Teriflunomide Yes 95% 83% 69%
None No 0% 2% 3%
Not sure No 0% 0% 2%

What is the Atlas of MS?

The Atlas of MS is the most comprehensive worldwide study of the epidemiology of MS and the global availability and accessibility of resources for people with MS.

2020 worldwide study

The data shows that the number of people with MS across the globe has increased from 2.3 million in 2013 to 2.8 million in 2020 and highlights the many barriers and inequalities that people with MS face in accessing diagnosis, treatment and care. Download the reports to see the full findings and recommendations or download the full dataset if you would like to conduct your own analysis comparing multiple countries.

Powerful tool for change

The information in the Atlas of MS can be a powerful advocacy tool, shining a spotlight on MS and raising awareness of the lack of adequate resources available to diagnose, inform, treat, rehabilitate and support people with MS worldwide.

With thanks to…

Worldwide collaboration

The Atlas of MS relies on data supplied by MS organisations from around the world. We are most grateful to the country coordinators and their colleagues for taking the time and effort to gather the information and data.

See contributor list

This 3rd edition of the Atlas of MS shines a spotlight on the barriers to accessing diagnosis and disease modifying therapies around the world. These issues are particularly evident in low and middle income countries but high income countries are not exempt. This report highlights the need for major policy changes to ensure early diagnosis and improved access to a range of treatments, to guarantee the best possible outcomes for people with MS. Information from the Atlas of MS should be used to guide policy-makers, health planners and specialists, in order to close the gaps in care, decrease inequities globally and provide a better future for people with MS and their families.

Professor Mai Sharawy
Professor of Neuro-Ophthalmology at Cairo University – Egypt.
Founder of MS Care and Chair of MSIF Board