Second line use of Fingolimod is as effective as Natalizumab in a German out-patient RRMS-cohort

The effectiveness of natalizumab vs fingolimod-A comparison of international registry studies

BACKGROUND

Natalizumab and fingolimod were the first preparations recommended for disease breakthrough in priorly treated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Of three published head-to-head studies two showed that natalizumab is the more effective to prevent relapses and EDSS worsening.

METHODS

By re-analyzing original published results from MSBase, France, and Denmark using uniform methodologies, we aimed at identifying the effects of differences in methodology, in the MS-populations, and at re-evaluating the differences in effectiveness between the two drugs. We gained access to copies of the individual amended databases and pooled all data. We used uniform inclusion/exclusion criteria and statistical methods with Inverse Probability Treatment Weighting.

RESULTS

The pooled analyses comprised 968 natalizumab- and 1479 fingolimod treated patients. The on-treatment natalizumab/fingolimod relapse rate ratio was 0.77 (p=0.004). The hazard ratio (HR) for a first relapse was 0.82 (p=0.030), and the HR for sustained EDSS improvement was 1.4 (p=0.009). There were modest differences between each of the original published studies and the replication study, but the conclusions of the three original studies remained unchanged: in two of them natalizumab was more effective, but in the third there was no difference between natalizumab and fingolimod.

CONCLUSION

The results were largely invariant to the epidemiological and statistical methods but differed between the MS populations. Generally, the advantage of natalizumab was confirmed.

Long-term comparative analysis of no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) status between multiple sclerosis patients treated with natalizumab and fingolimod for up to 4 years

Background

Comparative effectiveness of natalizumab and fingolimod over a follow-up longer than 2 years has been not addressed yet.

Objectives

To compare the effect on no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients treated with natalizumab or fingolimod for at least 4 years.

Methods

We included RRMS patients switched from first-line agents to natalizumab or fingolimod. Patients were propensity score (PS)-matched on a 1-to-1 basis. Percentages of patients reaching NEDA-3 status at 2 and 4 years of follow-up were compared using the chi-square test. The risk of not achieving NEDA-3 at 4 years was explored in matched samples by Cox regression models.

Results

We evaluated 174 PS-matched patients. Patients receiving natalizumab reached a NEDA-3 status at 2 and 4 years more frequently than those exposed to fingolimod (63% vs 44%, p=0.037; 45.7% vs 25.8%, p=0.015, respectively). Patients receiving natalizumab were at a significant lower risk of not achieving the NEDA-3 status at 4 years compared to those exposed to fingolimod (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.54 (0.36–0.80), p=0.002).

Conclusions

Although both medications were effective in patients non-responding to first-line agents, natalizumab seems to be superior to fingolimod in RRMS in obtaining NEDA-3 status at 4 years.

BEST-MS: A prospective head-to-head comparative study of natalizumab and fingolimod in active relapsing MS

BACKGROUND

There are few head-to-head studies to compare highly active treatments in multiple sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness between natalizumab (NTZ) and fingolimod (FTY) in active relapsing-remitting MS.

METHOD

Best Escalation STrategy in Multiple Sclerosis (BEST-MS) is a multicentric, prospective study with a 12-month follow-up including patients with active MS. Treatment choice was at the discretion of physician. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected at baseline and at 12 months. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients reaching no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included annualized relapse rate and MRI activity.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients were included (NTZ: 109 and FTY: 114). Treatment groups were well balanced at baseline. Proportion of NEDA patients was 47.8% in NTZ group versus 30.4% in FTY group (p = 0.015). This superiority was driven by annualized relapse rate and MRI activity. In the multivariate analysis, treatment group was the only factor associated with NEDA at 12 months with a lower probability in FTY group (odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

BEST-MS is a prospective study that compared head-to-head the effectiveness of NTZ and FTY in active relapsing-remitting MS. Our results suggest a superiority of NTZ over FTY.

Natalizumab versus fingolimod for patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: results from REVEAL, a prospective, randomised head-to-head study

OBJECTIVE

To directly compare the efficacy of natalizumab and fingolimod in patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

This phase 4, randomised, rater- and sponsor-blinded, prospective, parallel-group, clinic-based head-to-head study was conducted at 43 sites in nine countries. Patients were randomised (1:1) to intravenous natalizumab 300 mg every 4 weeks or oral fingolimod 0.5 mg once daily for ≤52 weeks. Enrolment-related early study termination precluded assessment of the primary endpoint (evolution of new on-treatment gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions to persistent black holes). Unplanned exploratory analyses of secondary endpoints evaluated the effects of treatment on the development of new T1 Gd+ lesions and new/newly enlarging T2 lesions, lesion volumes and relapse outcomes.

RESULTS

The intent-to-treat population comprised 108 patients (natalizumab, n=54; fingolimod, n=54); 63 completed ≥24 weeks of treatment. Due to the limited numbers of events and patients at risk, MRI and relapse outcomes were reported over up to 24 and 36 weeks, respectively. The mean number of new T1 Gd+ lesions was numerically lower with natalizumab than with fingolimod by 4 weeks; accumulation rates were 0.02 and 0.09 per week, respectively, over 24 weeks (p=0.004). The cumulative probability of developing ≥1 lesion at 24 weeks was 40.7% with natalizumab versus 58.0% with fingolimod (HR=0.60; 95% CI 0.31-1.16; p=0.126); the corresponding probabilities for ≥2 lesions were 11.5% vs 48.5% (HR=0.25; 95% CI 0.09-0.68; p=0.007). No significant between-group differences were observed for the other MRI outcomes at 24 weeks. The cumulative probability of relapse over follow-up was 1.9% with natalizumab versus 22.3% with fingolimod (HR=0.08; 95% CI 0.01-0.64; p=0.017). Adverse events were consistent with known safety profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that natalizumab is more efficacious than fingolimod in reducing multiple sclerosis relapses and T1 Gd+ lesion accumulation in patients with active disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT02342704; EUCTR2013-004622-29-IT; Post-results.

Newly approved agents for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: how real-world evidence compares with randomized clinical trials?

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, many treatment options have become available for relapsing remitting MS. Randomized clinical trials and real-world studies are complementary sources of information, and together have the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of the safety and efficacy profiles of each drug, a critical factor for a personalized management of the disease.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors provide an up-to-date review of both RCTs and real-world studies assessing the safety and efficacy profiles of recently developed disease-modifying drugs for relapsing remitting MS. These include fingolimod, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, alemtuzumab and ocrelizumab.

EXPERT OPINION

From the authors' review of the literature, the efficacy profiles resulted from RCTs were confirmed by observational studies with regard to the disease-modifying drugs considered. The magnitude of the effects on annualized relapse rates and MRI active lesions was generally even larger in the observational studies compared to RCTs. From the safety point of view, observational studies revealed new adverse events, mostly in the area of bacterial and opportunistic infections, not seen in the relative registration programme. This is a very important gain because it allows to elaborate appropriate strategies to prevent and handle the risks.

Effectiveness of Fingolimod versus Natalizumab as Second-Line Therapy for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in Spain: Second-Line GATE Study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of head-to-head studies comparing the efficacy of fingolimod (FIN) and natalizumab (NTZ) as second-line therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

METHODS

Multicenter, observational study, in which, information of 388 patients randomly selected and treated with FIN or NTZ in routine clinical practice was retrospectively collected with the main objective of comparing the annualized relapse rate (ARR) over the first year, after FIN or NTZ treatment initiation.

RESULTS

Mean ARR during the first year of treatment was 0.28 in FIN group and 0.12 in NTZ group (p = 0.0064); nevertheless, the difference between groups lost statistical significance when the propensity score analysis was performed. Time to disability -progression was similar in both treatment groups (12.3 ± 6.7 months in FIN, and 12.8 ± 0.1 months in NTZ; p = 0.4654). Treatment persistence after the first year of treatment was higher in patients treated with FIN (95%) than in those treated with NTZ (84%; p = 0.0014).

CONCLUSIONS

After 12 months of treatment, both FIN and NTZ reduced the ARR, but ARR percent reduction was significantly higher with NTZ. Treatment persistence was higher in patients receiving FIN.

The efficacy and safety of fingolimod in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis

AIMS

The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fingolimod in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant studies. Two authors independently selected the studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted the data. The meta-analysis was performed in RevMan 5.3 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. In patients with RMS, fingolimod demonstrated a significantly lower annualized relapse rate (0.5 mg/d: mean difference [95% confidence interval] = -0.22 [-0.29 to -0.14]; 1.25 mg/d: -0.26 [-0.36 to -0.16]; 5 mg/d: -0.41 [-0.72 to -0.10]) than placebo. Fingolimod also exhibited a favorable performance on other magnetic resonance imaging outcomes and improved the quality of life in patients. No significant difference was noted in the prevalence of adverse events between the fingolimod treatment group and the placebo/disease-modifying therapy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Fingolimod may offer benefits for RMS patients and presents an acceptable safety profile.

Effects of Natalizumab and Fingolimod on Clinical, Cognitive, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measures in Multiple Sclerosis

Studies comparing the effects of natalizumab and fingolimod in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are limited. We aimed to compare natalizumab and fingolimod effects on clinical, neuropsychological, and MRI measures in RRMS patients after 2 years of treatment. RRMS patients starting natalizumab (n = 30) or fingolimod (n = 25) underwent neurologic, neuropsychological, and brain MRI assessments at baseline, month (M) 6, M12, and M24. Volumes of lesions, brain, gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and deep GM were measured. Fifteen healthy controls (HC) were also scanned at baseline and M24. Treatment groups were matched for baseline variables. At M24 versus baseline, both drugs reduced the relapse rate (p value < 0.001), stabilized disability, and improved cognitive function (fingolimod: p value = 0.03; natalizumab: p value = 0.01), without between-group differences. The natalizumab group had a higher proportion of freedom from MRI activity (67% vs 36%, p value = 0.02) and no evidence of disease activity-3 (NEDA-3) (57% vs 28%, p value = 0.04). At M24 vs M6, brain (- 0.35%, p value = 0.002 [fingolimod]; - 0.42%, p value < 0.001 [natalizumab]), GM (- 0.62%, p value < 0.001 [fingolimod]; - 0.64%, p value < 0.001 [natalizumab]), and WM (- 0.98%, p value < 0.001 [fingolimod]; - 0.99%, p value < 0.001 [natalizumab]) atrophy progressed at higher rates than in HC, but similarly between treatment groups, whereas only the natalizumab group showed deep GM atrophy (- 0.79%, p value = 0.02) (p value vs fingolimod not significant). In both groups, atrophy progression was correlated with lesion accumulation (r from - 0.49 to - 0.36, p values from 0.013 to 0.05), whereas no correlation was found between clinical and MRI changes. Natalizumab and fingolimod reduce disease activity and improve cognition in RRMS. Natalizumab seems superior to limit lesion accumulation, whereas both drugs similarly modify atrophy progression.

The real-world effectiveness of natalizumab and fingolimod in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. An Italian multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Both natalizumab and fingolimod are highly effective in the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). In the absence of head-to-head trials, some observational studies have compared their efficacy with conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy of natalizumab and fingolimod in a cohort of RRMS patients in an observational, retrospective study.

METHODS

We included all consecutive RRMS patients who started natalizumab or fingolimod in three MS centres with a follow-up to 24 months and analysed clinical and brain MRI data after propensity score (PS) matching.

RESULTS

After 1:1 PS-matching, we retained 102 patients in both groups, with similar baseline features. After 24 months, although both drugs resulted highly effective, patients treated with natalizumab had a lower relapse risk (HR 0.59 CI 95% 0.35-1.00, p = 0.048) and higher time to first relapse. MRI-combined-unique-activity was found in 31.8% of natalizumab vs 43.2% of fingolimod treated patients (p = 0.28). We found a higher proportion of patients with confirmed regression of disability (19.2 vs 6.7%, p = 0.03) and 2-year no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3, 39.0% vs 22.0%, p = 0.04) in the natalizumab group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both drugs were highly effective in our cohort. Natalizumab proved superior in inducing regression of disability and 2-year-NEDA-3.

Natalizumab versus fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis treatment

Objective

To compare 2‐year effectiveness and discontinuation of natalizumab (NTZ) versus fingolimod (FTY) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Patients prescribed NTZ, FTY, or DMF at the Rocky Mountain MS Center at University of Colorado were identified. Clinician‐reported data were retrospectively collected. Outcomes include a composite effectiveness measure consisting of new T2 lesion, gadolinium‐enhancing lesion, and/or clinical relapse, individual effectiveness outcomes and discontinuation over 2 years. Logistic regression was used for data analysis on patients matched by propensity scores and using ATT doubly robust weighting estimator.

Results

A total of 451, 271, and 342 patients were evaluated on NTZ, FTY, and DMF over 2 years, respectively. Patients had a mean age of 39.8 (NTZ), 42.5(FTY), and 45.8 (DMF) years; were predominantly female (76.7% NTZ; 72.0% FTY; 69.6% DMF); and had a mean MS disease duration of 11–12 years for all groups. At ≤24 months, 22.2%, 34.7%, and 33.6% experienced a new T2 lesion, gadolinium‐enhancing lesion, and/or clinical relapse on NTZ, FTY, and DMF, respectively. Using ATT doubly robust weighting estimator, FTY versus NTZ and DMF versus NTZ had an odds ratio of 2.00 (95%CI:[1.41–2.85], P < 0.001) and 2.38 [95% CI: 1.68–3.37], P < 0.001) respectively, for experiencing a new T2 lesion, gadolinium enhancing lesion, and/or clinical relapse. At ≤24 months, 32.6%, 34.3%, and 47.1% discontinued NTZ, FTY, and DMF, respectively. The majority of discontinuations were due to becoming JCV positive(12.6%) for NTZ and due to adverse events for both FTY(17%) and DMF(24.0%).

Interpretation

NTZ appears to be more effective and tolerable than FTY and DMF.

NEDA-3 status including cortical lesions in the comparative evaluation of natalizumab versus fingolimod efficacy in multiple sclerosis

Background:

Cortical lesions (CLs) are typical of multiple sclerosis (MS) and have been recently incorporated in MS diagnostic criteria. Thus, the ‘no evidence of disease activity’ (NEDA) definition should now include CLs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the NEDA3 + CL status in natalizumab- or fingolimod-treated relapsing remitting MS (RMS) patients.

Methods:

Natalizumab- or fingolimod-treated RMS patients were enrolled in a 2-year longitudinal study based on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations performed respectively biannually and annually. CLs were detected by double inversion recovery. The NEDA3 + CL condition was evaluated at baseline (T0) and at the end of the first (T1) and second (T2) year.

Results:

Of the 137 RMS patients included in the study, 86 were propensity-matched. At T2, the annualized relapse rate was lower on natalizumab (p = 0.021), but the effect on white matter lesions (p = 0.29) and the proportion of NEDA-3 patients (p = 0.14) were similar in the two treatment arms. At T2, 11.6% natalizumab- and 62.8% fingolimod-treated patients had new CLs (p < 0.001) and a higher proportion of natalizumab-treated patients (55.8% versus 11.6%, p < 0.001) achieved the NEDA3 + CL status (hazard ratio 5.2, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The incorporation of CLs in the NEDA-3 definition highlighted the higher efficacy of natalizumab versus fingolimod in suppressing disease activity in RMS patients.

Long-term evaluation of NEDA-3 status in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients after switching from natalizumab to fingolimod

Background:

Natalizumab significantly reduces the disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis but due to the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy it is often discontinued. Fingolimod is seen as an alternative, but there are no long-term analyses of the efficacy of fingolimod in this setting using the no evidence of disease activity (NEDA)-3 criteria. We provide an assessment of patients who discontinued natalizumab and switched to fingolimod or other treatments by evaluating the proportion of patients who fulfil NEDA-3 criteria after prolonged follow-up periods.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study of multiple sclerosis patients, who were treated with continuous natalizumab or who had switched to fingolimod or other treatments after natalizumab discontinuation. We assessed NEDA-3 status, annual relapse rate and determined the odds ratio between disease course after treatment switch and other patient and treatment characteristics.

Results:

A total of 61 patients on continuous natalizumab treatment and 53 patients who switched from natalizumab to fingolimod or other treatments were accompanied for up to 5 years. While the proportion of natalizumab patients fulfilling NEDA-3 criteria remained stable at 90% during the entire follow-up period, the proportion of patients switching to fingolimod or other therapies dropped to 76.7% in the first year after discontinuation, and to 50% in the years thereafter. While the median Expanded Disability Status Scale remained stable and the percentage of relapsing patients did not change significantly, recurring magnetic resonance imaging activity was found in up to 42% of the patients after switching from natalizumab to other treatments. New disease activity was significantly correlated with extended treatment gap between natalizumab discontinuation and the start of a new therapy.

Discussion:

Patients remain clinically stable after discontinuing natalizumab and switching to other therapies. However, when considering NEDA-3 criteria, a considerable proportion of patients show disease reactivation. Careful monitoring and early evaluation of alternatives is necessary after switching from natalizumab to other treatments.

Comparative analysis of natalizumab versus fingolimod as second-line treatment in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

Background:

No randomized controlled trials have compared the efficacy of fingolimod or natalizumab as second-line treatment in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Objective:

To compare clinical outcomes after escalation to fingolimod versus natalizumab in patients with clinically active RRMS.

Methods:

Using the registry of the Swiss Federation for Common Tasks of Health Insurances, we identified patients with RRMS and ≥1 relapse in the year before switching from interferon beta or glatiramer acetate to fingolimod or natalizumab. Propensity score matching was used to select patients with comparable baseline characteristics. Relapse and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) outcomes were compared in paired, pairwise-censored analyses.

Results:

Of the 547 included patients, 358 were matched (fingolimod, n = 179; natalizumab, n = 179). Median follow-up time was 1.8 years (interquartile range 0.9–2.9). Patients switching to natalizumab had a lower risk of relapses (incidence rate ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3–0.8, p = 0.001) and were more likely to experience EDSS improvement (hazard ratio (HR) 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.7, p = 0.01) compared to fingolimod. We found no differences in the proportion of patients free from EDSS progression (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.5–1.5, p = 0.62).

Conclusion:

Natalizumab seems to be more effective in reducing relapse rate and improving disability compared with fingolimod.

Real-life clinical use of natalizumab and fingolimod in Austria

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of natalizumab or fingolimod in a nationwide observational cohort using prospectively collected data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included all patients starting treatment with natalizumab or fingolimod documented in the Austrian MS Treatment Registry (AMSTR) from 2011 and staying on therapy for at least 24 months. We used propensity scores for several matching methods and as a covariate in multivariate models to correct for the bias of this non-randomized registry study.

RESULTS

The study cohort includes 588 patients with RRMS. Ten patients did not produce a propensity score in the common support region, thus leaving 578 cases for final analyses, 332 in the fingolimod and 246 in the natalizumab group. Mean annualized relapse rates (ARR) during the 24 months observation period were 0.19 under fingolimod and 0.12 under natalizumab treatment (P = .005). No statistical significant differences were found analysing the log-transformed ARR, probability for experiencing a relapse, EDSS progression and EDSS regression. The hazard ratio for switching treatment from fingolimod comparing with natalizumab was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.247-0.523), P < .001.

CONCLUSIONS

The generalized linear model (GLM) for relapse count as Poisson distributed dependent variable and propensity score as covariate showed a statistically significant reduction for the mean relapse count in the natalizumab group compared with fingolimod. This effect was smaller in the analyses of log-transformed ARR with propensity score matching, loosing statistical significance although showing the same direction for the effect. We assume that the GLM was the more sensitive model analysing this question.

A longitudinal real-life comparison study of natalizumab and fingolimod

BACKGROUND

Different retrospective studies compared natalizumab and fingolimod in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), with conflicting results. We aimed to explore the prescriptive attitude and the clinical outcome of the two therapies.

METHODS

We retrospectively included all RRMS patients treated with natalizumab (n=101) or fingolimod (n=78) as their first second-line therapy with at least 24-month follow-up. Demographic and clinical features were recorded to calculate the propensity score (PS). Outcomes of interest were annualized relapse rate (ARR), risk of relapse, and change in the EDSS RESULTS: At baseline, natalizumab patients were younger and had a shorter disease duration, a higher number of relapse in 1 year (1yR) and 2 years (2yR) and overall (ARR-PT) pretherapy, compared to fingolimod patients. On therapy, the proportion of relapsing patients and the mean RR were similar in the two groups. However, the change in the ARR was higher in natalizumab than in fingolimod group (P<.002), but, using PS as a covariate, it was comparable (P=.960). Similarly, the change in EDSS was significantly different for the two groups (P<.004), but not after adjusting for the PS (P=.321).

CONCLUSION

We observed a comparable efficacy on ARR reduction and on EDSS progression with natalizumab and fingolimod correcting through PS, suggesting that the efficacy difference observed before correction might derive from the clinical attitude in prescribing natalizumab in more active MS patients in real life.

Efficacy and Safety of Fingolimod in Daily Practice: Experience of an Academic MS French Center

Introduction

Fingolimod (Fg), a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, decreases the annual relapse rate (ARR) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Fg in daily practice in patients with RRMS, previously treated with natalizumab (Nz) or not, and systematically followed during at least 1 year.

Methods

Data were collected from the patient files. Primary endpoint was the comparison between the ARR the year before Fg onset and after 1 and 2 years of Fg treatment. The secondary endpoints were the difference between Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at Fg onset and after 1 and 2 years of treatment, and safety.

Results

In the whole sample, we confirmed Fg efficacy on the ARR (0.895 before vs. 0.364 1 year after, p < 0.0001). Between our two groups (with or without Nz before Fg), the ARR was higher in the Nz group during the first year but similar during the second year. The EDSS was stable during the first year of Fg but significantly higher after 2 years (3.33 vs. 3.72, p = 0.02). Concerning safety, only three patients had to discontinue Fg because of tolerance issues.

Conclusion

Our study showed that Fg is safe in RRMS and can be used either after first-line treatments or after Nz. However we observed a mild disability progression after 2 years.

Early safety and efficacy of fingolimod treatment in Denmark

BACKGROUND

Initiation of fingolimod treatment is associated with a transient decrease of heart rate, and atrioventricular (AV) conduction block may occur.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of fingolimod treatment in MS patients in Denmark with focus on cardiac and pulmonary side effects at treatment onset.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We analysed data from the first 496 fingolimod-treated Danish patients, observed for at least 3 months. In a subset of 204 patients, we monitored cardiac and pulmonary adverse effects following treatment initiation.

RESULTS

The overall annualized relapse rate (ARR) was 0.37 (95% CI 0.31-0.44); 0.22 (95% CI 0.03-0.81) in de novo-treated patients, 0.29 (95% CI; 0.23-0.37) in patients switching from IFN-beta or GA and 0.46 (9 5% CI 0.34-0.60) after natalizumab. In the subset of 204 patients, 8 (3.9%) required prolonged cardiac monitoring due to bradycardia and/or second-degree AV block type I. All patients recovered spontaneously. Two patients discontinued fingolimod. Eleven (5.4%) patients reported respiratory complaints and two of these patients discontinued treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Fingolimod appears to be safe and effective in MS patients in a clinical setting. Mild cardiac adverse effects occurred at a similar rate as in clinical trials.

The Efficacy of Natalizumab versus Fingolimod for Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review, Indirect Evidence from Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials and Meta-Analysis of Observational Head-to-Head Trials

Background

Although Fingolimod (FGD) and Natalizumab (NTZ) appear to be effective in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), they have never been directly compared in a randomized clinical trial (RCT).

Methods and Findings

We evaluated the comparative efficacy of FGD vs. NTZ using a meta-analytical approach. Data from placebo-controlled RCTs was used for indirect comparisons and observational data was utilized for head-to-head comparisons. We identified 3 RCTs (2498 patients) and 5 observational studies (2576 patients). NTZ was associated with a greater reduction in the 2-year annualized relapse rate (ARR; SMD_indirect = -0.24;95% CI: from -0.44 to -0.04; p = 0.005) and with the probability of no disease activity at 2 years (OR_indirect:1.82, 95% CI: from 1.05 to 3.15) compared to FGD, while no differences between the two therapies were found in the proportion of patients who remained relapse-free (OR_indirect = 1.20;95% CI: from 0.84 to 1.71) and those with disability progression (OR_indirect = 0.76;95% CI: from 0.48 to 1.21) at 2 years. In the analysis of observational data, we found no significant differences between NTZ and FGD in the 2-year ARR (SMD = -0.05; 95% CI: from -0.26 to 0.16), and 2-year disability progression (OR:1.08;95% CI: from 0.77 to 1.52). However, NTZ-treated patients were more likely to remain relapse-free at 2-years compared to FGD (OR: 2.19;95% CI: from 1.15 to 4.18; p = z0.020).

Conclusions

Indirect analyses of RCT data and head-to-head comparisons of observational findings indicate that NTZ may be more effective than FGD in terms of disease activity reduction in patients with RRMS. However, head-to-head RCTs are required to independently confirm this preliminary observation.

A comparison of multiple sclerosis clinical disease activity between patients treated with natalizumab and fingolimod

Background:

Natalizumab and fingolimod were approved for treatment of active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in Denmark in 2006 and 2011, respectively. There have been no randomized head-to-head studies comparing the two drugs.

Objective:

To compare the clinical efficacy of natalizumab and fingolimod.

Methods:

Data on all Danish RRMS patients who started their first second-line treatment with natalizumab or fingolimod from July 2011 to March 2015 were prospectively recorded in the Danish Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment Register. The two treatment arms were 1:1 propensity score matched by baseline covariates using ‘nearest neighbour’ method.

Results:

Propensity score matching left 928 of 1309 RRMS cases, 464 in each treatment group. The on-treatment annualized relapse rate was 0.296 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26–0.34) for natalizumab and 0.307 (95% CI: 0.27–0.35) for fingolimod. The adjusted relapse rate ratio was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.74–1.17; p = 0.53). Mean time to first relapse was 2.55 and 2.56 years, respectively ( p = 0.76). There was no difference in change of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Conclusion:

We found no differences in clinical disease activity between natalizumab- and fingolimod-treated RRMS patients in this real-life observational study. However, the lack of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for the propensity score matching may conceal a higher efficacy of natalizumab.

Observational data: Understanding the real MS world

Randomised clinical trials are the primary source of evidence, guiding the use of disease-modifying drugs in multiple sclerosis. However, the spectrum of questions that can be answered in the trial setting is relatively narrow. ‘Real-world’ observational data analysis has always been the major source of evidence for epidemiology, aetiology, outcomes and prognostics, but is now also increasingly used to study treatment effectiveness. While analyses of observational cohorts typically offer superior power, generalisability and duration of follow-up relative to prospective randomised trials, they are also subject to multiple biases. It is the role of researchers to mitigate bias and to ensure the results of observational studies are robust and valid. In this review of observational data research, we provide an overview of the inherent biases, the available mitigation strategies, and the state and direction of contemporary treatment outcomes research. The review will help clinicians critically appraise published results of observational studies.

Reporting treatment outcomes in observational data: A fine balance

Analyses of observational data have been gaining momentum in the evaluation of ever increasing spectrum of disease modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. While high cost-effectiveness and generalisability represent their main advantages, these studies are also burdened with high risk of bias that may lead to erroneous conclusions. In this viewpoint, we highlight the key role of rigorous and transparent statistical methodology in the studies of observational data and encourage its thorough editorial scrutiny.

Natalizumab versus fingolimod in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis non-responding to first-line injectable therapies

BACKGROUND

Natalizumab and fingolimod have not been compared in controlled trials but only in observational studies, with inconclusive results.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to compare the effect of natalizumab and fingolimod in reducing disease activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

METHODS

We included all consecutive RRMS patients switched from first-line agents (glatiramer acetate/interferons) to natalizumab or fingolimod, with a follow-up of 24 months. Data of relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale score and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected. We used propensity score (PS) matching and intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

We retained 102 patients in each cohort after PS matching, with similar baseline characteristics. More patients discontinued natalizumab compared to fingolimod (33% vs 11%, p < 0.001), mainly for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) concern. No serious adverse events occurred in the two cohorts. Compared to fingolimod, the natalizumab group presented a higher percentage of relapse-free patients (66% vs 80%, p = 0.015), a higher percentage of disability-improved patients (6% vs 15%, p = 0.033), a lower percentage of MRI-active patients (38% vs 14%, p = 0.001) and a higher percentage of patients with no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3; 44% vs 70%, p < 0.001) after 2 years of follow-up. Disability worsening was not statistically different in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Natalizumab is superior to fingolimod in RRMS patients non-responding to first-line agents.

Fingolimod in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: long-term experience and an update on the clinical evidence

Since the approval in 2010 of fingolimod 0.5 mg (Gilenya; Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) in the USA as an oral therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, long-term clinical experience with this therapy has been increasing. This review provides a summary of the cumulative dataset from clinical trials and their extensions, plus postmarketing studies that contribute to characterizing the efficacy and safety profile of fingolimod in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Data from the controlled, phase III, pivotal studies [FREEDOMS (FTY720 Research Evaluating Effects of Daily Oral therapy in Multiple Sclerosis), FREEDOMS II and TRANSFORMS (Trial Assessing Injectable Interferon versus FTY720 Oral in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis)] in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis have shown that fingolimod has a robust effect on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes. The respective study extensions show that effects on annualized relapse rates are sustained with continued fingolimod treatment. Consistent, significant reductions in magnetic resonance imaging lesion counts and brain volume loss have also been sustained with long-term treatment. The safety profile of fingolimod is also examined, particularly in light of its long-term use. A summary of the adverse events of interest that are associated with fingolimod treatment and associated label guidelines are also considered, which include cardiac effects following first-dose administration, infections, lymphopenia, macular edema and pregnancy. Historic hurdles to the prescription of fingolimod and how these challenges are being met are also discussed.

Comparative efficacy of fingolimod vs natalizumab: A French multicenter observational study

OBJECTIVE

To compare natalizumab and fingolimod on both clinical and MRI outcomes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) from 27 multiple sclerosis centers participating in the French follow-up cohort Observatoire of Multiple Sclerosis.

METHODS

Patients with RRMS included in the study were aged from 18 to 65 years with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0-5.5 and an available brain MRI performed within the year before treatment initiation. The data were collected for 326 patients treated with natalizumab and 303 with fingolimod. The statistical analysis was performed using 2 different methods: logistic regression and propensity scores (inverse probability treatment weighting).

RESULTS

The confounder-adjusted proportion of patients with at least one relapse within the first and second year of treatment was lower in natalizumab-treated patients compared to the fingolimod group (21.1% vs 30.4% at first year, p = 0.0092; and 30.9% vs 41.7% at second year, p = 0.0059) and supported the trend observed in nonadjusted analysis (21.2% vs 27.1% at 1 year, p = 0.0775). Such statistically significant associations were also observed for gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions and new T2 lesions at both 1 year (Gd-enhancing lesions: 9.3% vs 29.8%, p < 0.0001; new T2 lesions: 10.6% vs 29.6%, p < 0.0001) and 2 years (Gd-enhancing lesions: 9.1% vs 22.1%, p = 0.0025; new T2 lesions: 16.9% vs 34.1%, p = 0.0010) post treatment initiation.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest the superiority of natalizumab over fingolimod to prevent relapses and new T2 and Gd-enhancing lesions at 1 and 2 years.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with RRMS, natalizumab decreases the proportion of patients with at least one relapse within the first year of treatment compared to fingolimod.

Clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fingolimod for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Fingolimod is a selective immunosuppressive agent approved worldwide for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and potentially disabling neurological condition. Randomized double-blind clinical trials have shown that fingolimod significantly reduces relapse rate and ameliorates a number of brain MRI measures, including cerebral atrophy, compared to both placebo and intramuscular interferon-β1a. The effect on disability progression remains controversial, since one Phase III trial showed a significant benefit of treatment while two others did not. Although fingolimod has a very convenient daily oral dosing, the possibility of serious cardiac, ocular, infectious, and other rare adverse events justified the decision of the European Medicines Agency to approve the drug as a second-line treatment for MS patients not responsive to first-line therapy, or those with rapidly evolving course. In the United States, fingolimod is instead authorized as a first-line treatment. The aim of this review is to describe and discuss the characteristics of fingolimod concerning its efficacy, safety, and tolerability in the clinical context of multiple sclerosis management.

Fingolimod Treatment in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Prospective Observational Multicenter Postmarketing Study

Objective. The aim of this prospective observational multicenter postmarketing study was to evaluate fingolimod efficacy in a real world clinical setting. Methods. One hundred forty-two subjects with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were enrolled in three multiple sclerosis centers throughout Central and Southern Italy between January 2011 and September 2013. After enrollment, regular visits and EDSS assessment were scheduled every 3 months, and MRI scan was obtained every 12 months. Patients were followed up from 1 to 33 months (mean 14.95 ± 9.15 months). The main efficacy endpoints included the proportion of patients free from clinical relapses, from disability progression, from magnetic resonance imaging activity, and from any disease activity. Results. Out of 142 patients enrolled in the study, 88.1% were free from clinical relapse and 69.0% were free from disability progression; 68.5% of patients remained free from new or newly enlarging T2 lesions and 81.7% of patients were free from gadolinium enhancing lesions. Overall the proportion of patients free from any disease activity was 41.9%. Conclusions. Our data in a real world cohort are consistent with previous findings that yield convincing evidence for the efficacy of fingolimod in patients with RRMS.

Are natalizumab and fingolimod analogous second-line options for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis? A clinical practice observational study

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether natalizumab and fingolimod have analogous efficacy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome of RRMS patients treated with either therapy.

METHODS

RRMS patients treated with natalizumab or fingolimod at Verona Hospital, Italy, were included. The study design was retrospective, based on prospectively collected clinical and MRI data. As efficacy outcomes, time to relapse, relapse rate, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score change, and new T2/gadolinium-enhancing lesions on brain MRI were compared over treatment period between the two groups. Multivariate Cox and logistic regression models were used to control for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven subjects receiving natalizumab and 30 receiving fingolimod for a median duration of 23 (1-63) and 22 (2-35) months, respectively (p = 0.22) were included. Patients treated with natalizumab had a more active pre-treatment disease course compared to those treated with fingolimod. In multivariate analysis, the relapse risk was reduced in patients on natalizumab (Hazard Ratio = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.11-1.03; p = 0.056) compared to those on fingolimod. There was no significant difference in EDSS and MRI outcomes. No relevant unexpected adverse events occurred. One patient discontinued natalizumab for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

RRMS patients receiving natalizumab had higher baseline disease activity and lower relapse risk over 20 months of treatment compared to those receiving fingolimod. Head-to-head randomized clinical trials are needed.

Fingolimod in active multiple sclerosis: an impressive decrease in Gd-enhancing lesions

Background

Fingolimod is a disease modifying therapy (DMT) in highly active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), as is natalizumab. Fingolimod decreases annual relapse rates and gadolinium enhancing lesions on MRI as compared to either interferon beta (IFNβ) or placebo. The effect of fingolimod on MRI outcomes compared to natalizumab treatment has not been investigated in (head to head) clinical trials. Clinical experience with natalizumab is much more extended and in general practice often preferred.

Case presentation

This case describes a 31-year old woman with RRMS, who experienced severe side effects on natalizumab. After a voluntary four months treatment free period, a severe relapse appeared which was treated with prednisone and plasmapheresis; thereafter fingolimod was initiated. In the following months MRI signs improved spectacularly.

Conclusion

This case suggests that fingolimod might be a good alternative for natalizumab, especially for use in RRMS patients, with highly active, advanced disease, when natalizumab treatment is stopped due to side effects or even after a severe relapse.

Healthcare resource use and relapses with fingolimod versus natalizumab for treating multiple sclerosis: a retrospective US claims database analysis

OBJECTIVE

Healthcare resource utilization in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to relapses and disease progression. This retrospective cohort database analysis compared healthcare resource use and proxy measures of relapse outcomes in patients with active disease who switched to fingolimod or natalizumab.

METHODS

Using administrative claims data from the US PharMetrics Plus database, we identified patients with an MS diagnosis and a claim for fingolimod or natalizumab between 1 October 2010 and 30 June 2012 (index period) who had experienced a relapse (identified using a claims-based algorithm) and used other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in the previous year. Patients in the fingolimod and natalizumab cohorts were propensity score matched (1:1). MS-related inpatient stays, corticosteroid use and the proportion of patients experiencing claims-based relapses were assessed in the pre-index and post-index persistence periods. Time to first claims-based relapse in the post-index persistence period was assessed using a Kaplan-Meier curve.

RESULTS

The study included 623 unmatched patients (299 and 324 patients in the fingolimod and natalizumab cohorts, respectively) and 370 matched patients (185 in each cohort). In the matched analysis, MS-related inpatient stays and corticosteroid use were similar in the fingolimod and natalizumab cohorts during the post-index persistence period, and were significantly reduced versus the pre-index period (p < 0.01). A similar proportion of patients in the fingolimod and natalizumab cohorts were free from claims-based relapses in the persistence period (68.1% and 68.6%, respectively). There was no significant difference in the likelihood of experiencing a claims-based relapse (p = 0.8696).

LIMITATION

Identification of relapses is based on database claims rather than on clinical assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

In analyses of patients with MS with a history of relapse and DMT use, fingolimod and natalizumab reduce healthcare resource utilization and have similar effectiveness in a real-world setting.

An observational comparison of natalizumab vs. fingolimod using JCV serology to determine therapy

Background:

The lack of prospective trial data comparing certain multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies could be addressed with observational research.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to investigate outcomes of natalizumab versus fingolimod treatment in an MS cohort using a novel method of patient selection.

Methods:

We reviewed entries from our clinic’s database for all relapsing–remitting MS patients started on fingolimod and natalizumab where JCV serology was used to determine treatment. We analyzed each group for time to first relapse and in a second analysis, time to first relapse or gadolinium-enhancing lesion.

Results:

Sixty-nine patients on natalizumab and 36 on fingolimod met our inclusion criteria and had adequate follow-up for analysis. The baseline clinical characteristics at the time of treatment switch were similar. With a mean follow-up of 1.5 years for both treatment groups, there was a trend favoring natalizumab in time to first relapse, although this was not statistically significant (2.20 (0.87, 5.55) p = 0.095). There was a significant difference in the secondary outcome, time to relapse or gadolinium-enhancing lesion (2.31 (1.03, 5.17) p = 0.041), favoring natalizumab. Adjusted analyses favored natalizumab for both outcomes ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

This work employed an observational study design where treatment allocation by JCV serology allowed for treatment groups with well-balanced characteristics.