Key takeaways
Mayzent (siponimod) and Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults, but they have some key differences. Mayzent is taken orally once a day, while Plegridy is an injection given every two weeks. Mayzent works by blocking white blood cells from leaving the lymph nodes, which helps reduce nerve damage, whereas Plegridy calms down the immune system to prevent it from attacking the nervous system. Mayzent requires genetic testing before starting treatment to determine the correct dose, but Plegridy does not. Common side effects of Mayzent include headache and high blood pressure, while Plegridy often cause injection site reaction and flu-like symptoms. Both medications are only available as brand names.
