Evaluation of a New Therapeutic Strategy in Early and Active Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Inclusion Criteria: * age : 18-45 years, * Clinical disease satisfying the Poser criteria (Amdmt n°4) * relapsing-remitting disease (Amdmt N°4) * at least 2 exacerbations within the preceding 12 months, having left sequelae, * MRI activity at inclusion expressed by at least one gadolinium-enhanced lesion (cranial MRI with 0.1mmol/kg gadolinium), * a significant disability at inclusion: EDSS score between 2.5 and 5.5 (Amdt N° 4) * written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy and breast-feeding * use of an insufficiency effective contraceptive method, * general immunosuppressive therapy using cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone,or total lymphoid irradiation * treatment with azathioprine during the 3 months preceding the study * clinical relapse or intensive corticosteroid treatment within the 30 days preceding inclusion, * associated disease (psychiatric disorder, depressive statenot controlled by appropriate drug therapy, history of heart disease at inclusion examination