A process for the synthesis of copolymer-1 composed of L-alanine, L-lysine, L-glutamic acid and L-tyrosine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The molecular weight of copolymer-1 is between 8-19 KDa. The process is initiated by supported dialkyl amine. The copolymer-1 of the invention has acid content of less than 1%.