Timing of high-efficacy therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

Exploring the Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options of Multiple Sclerosis

The complicated neurological syndrome known as multiple sclerosis (MS) is typified by demyelination, inflammation, and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). Managing this crippling illness requires an understanding of the complex interactions between neurophysiological systems, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic methods. A complex series of processes, including immunological dysregulation, inflammation, and neurodegeneration, are involved in the pathogenesis of MS. Gene predisposition, autoreactive T cells, B cells, and cytokines are essential participants in the development of the disease. Demyelination interferes with the ability of the CNS to transmit signals, which can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including impaired motor function, sensory deficiencies, and cognitive decline. Developing tailored therapeutics requires understanding the underlying processes guiding the course of the disease. Neuroimaging, laboratory testing, and clinical examination are all necessary for an accurate MS diagnosis. Evoked potentials and cerebrospinal fluid studies assist in verifying the diagnosis, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for identifying distinctive lesions in the CNS. Novel biomarkers have the potential to increase diagnostic precision and forecast prognosis. The goals of MS treatment options are to control symptoms, lower disease activity, and enhance quality of life. To stop relapses and reduce the course of the disease, disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) target several components of the immune response. DMTs that are now on the market include interferons, glatiramer acetate, monoclonal antibodies, and oral immunomodulators; each has a unique mode of action and safety profile. Symptomatic treatments improve patients' general well-being by addressing specific symptoms, including pain, sphincter disorders, fatigue, and spasticity. Novel treatment targets, neuroprotective tactics, and personalized medicine techniques will be the main focus of MS research in the future. Improving long-term outcomes for MS patients and optimizing disease treatment may be possible by utilizing immunology, genetics, and neuroimaging developments. This study concludes by highlighting the complexity of multiple MS, including its changing therapeutic landscape, diagnostic problems, and neurophysiological foundations. A thorough grasp of these elements is essential to improving our capacity to identify, manage, and eventually overcome this intricate neurological condition.

Brief international cognitive assessment for MS (BICAMS) and NEDA maintenance in MS patients: A 2-year follow-up longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) has been validated in many cross-sectional studies. However, longitudinal data on BICAMS subset trajectories and their correlation with disease activity during follow-up are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to (i) assess BICAMS changes in MS patients initiating high-efficacy disease-modifying-treatments (DMTs), (ii) compare these changes based on maintenance of "no-evidence-of-disease-activity" (NEDA-3) status over 24 months, and (iii) determine baseline clinical parameters predictive of cognitive changes.

METHODS

We enrolled 101 MS patients (mean age:40,45 ± 11; Relapsing-Remitting-MS:81%) initiating highly-effective-DMTs. Patients underwent Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), BICAMS, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), at baseline and after 24 months. Regression-based change index (RB-CI) had been used for cognitive change evaluation over follow-up.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 78 (77.3%) patients maintained NEDA-3 status. Considering a 90% of confidence levels for RB-CI, 12 (11.9%) improved at SDMT, 13 (12.9%) at CVLT-II and 13 (12.9%) at BVMT-R; while 7 (6.9%) were classified as worsened at SDMT, 11 (10.9%) at CVLT-II and 8 (7.9%) at BVMT-R. SDMT scores significantly improved at follow-up for the entire group (p = 0.003) and in patients maintaining NEDA-3 (p < 0.001). The multivariable regression model assessing the SDMT improvement (n = 12; z = 1.65), was significant and explained 21% of the variance (p = 0.038; Nagelkerke R2 = 0.212). Lower EDSS proved to be an independent predictor of SDMT reliable improvement (p = 0.027) in our sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that early disease activity control-especially in patients with low baseline disability-may yield significant benefits even in terms of cognitive performance.

Beyond lines of treatment: embracing early high-efficacy disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis management

Recent advances in multiple sclerosis (MS) management have shifted perspectives on treatment strategies, advocating for the early initiation of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (heDMTs). This perspective review discusses the rationale, benefits, and challenges associated with early heDMT initiation, reflecting on the obsolescence of the traditional "first-line" and "second-line" treatment classifications. The article emerges from the last update of the consensus document of the Spanish Society of Neurology on the treatment of MS. During its development, there was a recognized need to further discuss the concept of treatment lines and the early use of heDMTs. Evidence from randomized controlled trials and real-world studies suggests that early heDMT initiation leads to improved clinical outcomes, including reduced relapse rates, slowed disease progression, and decreased radiological activity, especially in younger patients or those in early disease stages. Despite the historical belief that heDMTs involve more risks and adverse events compared to moderate-efficacy DMTs (meDMTs), some studies have reported comparable safety profiles between early heDMTs and meDMTs, though long-term safety data are still lacking. The review also addresses the need for a personalized approach based on patient characteristics, prognostic factors, and preferences, explores the importance of therapeutic inertia, and highlights the evolving landscape of international and national guidelines that increasingly advocate for early intensive treatment approaches. The article also addresses the challenges of ensuring access to these therapies and the importance of further research to establish long-term safety and effectiveness of DMTs in MS.

Oligoclonal band count as a marker of disease activity and progression in multiple sclerosis: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers provide critical insights into the pathophysiology and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), as this study aimed to investigate the relationships between CSF oligoclonal band (OCB) counts and the clinical course and short-term prognosis of MS patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis covering a five-year period was conducted at two MS centers. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, MRI findings, EDSS scores, annualized relapse rate (ARR) in the first two years, and CSF analyses were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 310 patients, the ages ranged from 19 to 73 years, with a mean age of 38 years. OCBs were detected in 86.5 % (n = 268) of the patients. Those with a greater number of OCB bands had significantly more upper cervical lesions and T2 lesions (p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between OCB and the IgG index score. No significant relationship was observed between band count and the ARR or EDSS score. OCB-positive patients had higher IgG index scores and more upper cervical lesions (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with elevated IgG index levels (>0.7) exhibited significantly greater EDSS scores and more T2 lesions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of OCB counts as a significant marker for assessing disease activity and progression in MS patients. These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates CSF analysis with clinical and radiological data to effectively manage MS and tailor treatment strategies.

Long-term neuroprotective effects of natalizumab and fingolimod in multiple sclerosis: Evidence from real-world clinical data

BACKGROUND

The long-term effect of high efficacy disease modifying therapy (DMT) on neurodegeneration in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of natalizumab (NTZ) or fingolimod (FTY) therapy on the evolution of brain atrophy compared to moderate efficacy DMT in a real-world clinical setting.

METHODS

A total of 438 pwMS with 2,439 MRI exams during treatment were analyzed: 252 pwMS treated with moderate efficacy DMT, 130 with NTZ and 56 with FTY. Evolution of brain atrophy was analyzed over an average follow-up of 6.6 years after treatment initiation. Brain segmentation was performed on clinical 3D-FLAIRs using SynthSeg and regional brain volume changes over time were compared between the treatment groups.

RESULTS

Total brain, white matter and deep gray matter atrophy rates did not differ between moderate efficacy DMTs, NTZ and FTY. Annualized ventricle growth rates were lower in pwMS treated with NTZ (1.1 %/year) compared with moderate efficacy DMT (2.4 %/year, p < 0.001) and similar to FTY (2.0 %/year, p = 0.051). Cortical atrophy rates were lower in NTZ (-0.08 %/year) compared with moderate efficacy DMT (-0.16 %/year, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

In a real-world clinical setting, pwMS treated with NTZ had slower ventricular expansion and cortical atrophy compared to those treated with moderate efficacy DMT.

Temporal and spatial patterns in the prescriptions of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Results from the Italian Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Register

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic scenario in multiple sclerosis (MS) has evolved over recent years with the progressive introduction of new drugs focused to better balance efficacy, safety and management requirements. The objective of this study was to examine the prescribing patterns of disease-modifying therapies (DMT) over time and across different geographic areas, and the latency between disease onset, first Register center visit, disease diagnosis, and the start of treatment in a large cohort of persons with MS from the Italian Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Register.

METHODS

Up to 2022, the Register collected data from 124 centers on more than 78,000 persons, of whom 56,872 received at least one DMT prescription. Beside baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, we focused on DMT according to their efficacy distinguishing between moderate-efficacy (ME), or high-efficacy (HE).

RESULTS

There was a higher probability of prescribing HE-DMT for increasing calendar years (multivariable odds ratio, OR=11.51 in 2021 or thereafter vs before 2000), in males (OR=1.08 vs females), patients with primary progressive with or without relapse (OR=3.00 vs clinically isolated syndrome), those with a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score (OR=3.85 for >4 versus 0-1), and those from larger referral centers (OR=1.89 vs smaller ones). Conversely, higher age at onset was associated to a lower probability of prescribing HE-DMT (OR=0.74 at 40 or more vs <20 years). A trend to shorter times was observed in subsequent calendar years for disease onset, first center visit, diagnosis and first DMT prescription. No trend was detected based on the location of the geographic referral centers. The times between disease onset, first center visit, and diagnosis and the first DMT prescription showed significant decreases according to the year, while differences were less evident for the geographic areas.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights some factors influencing the choice of HE-DMT, including aspects of both healthcare and clinical phenotype. The absence of a geographic pattern may indicate some homogeneity in DMT prescriptions across different Italian MS centers.

Substantial and comparable suppression of disease activity following early initiation of cladribine tablets, ocrelizumab or alemtuzumab as first pharmacologic treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis: A real world study

BACKGROUND

We describe the efficacy and safety of recent high efficacy disease DMTs in DMT-naive patients with highly active RMS.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, cross sectional study from the Kuwait national MS registry. Patients with RMS who received alemtuzumab, cladribine tablets or ocrelizumab as their first DMT for RMS, with ≥2 year of follow up were included. The primary endpoint was the change in relapse rate from treatment initiation to 1 year; changes in disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]), radiologic activity, the proportion with no evidence of disease activity-3 (NEDA-3), and the frequency of adverse events were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Among 123 RRMS patients, 59 received ocrelizumab, 32 received cladribine tablets and 32 received alemtuzumab. About two-thirds (65%) were women. Substantial and similar (p>0.05) reductions occurred at the end of follow-up in annual relapse rate (by 93.2% for ocrelizumab, 87.5% for cladribine tablets, and 90.6% for alemtuzumab). The proportion with new T2 of gadolinium-enhancing MRI lesions across the three groups was reduced from 85-100% to 7-13%. Rates of confirmed disability progression were low (ocrelizumab 6.9%, cladribine tablets 3.1%, alemtuzumab 0%; p=0.280); disability was reduced in 15%, 22% and 38%, respectively. NEDA-3 was observed in 89.8%, 87.5%, and 84.4, respectively (p=0.784). No new or unexpected safety issues occurred.

CONCLUSION

Ocrelizumab, cladribine tablets and alemtuzumab reduced relapse rates and MRI activity, and prevented disease progression, when are initiated early in DMT-naive RMS patients. These data support the early use of high-efficacy DMTs for people with highly active RMS.

Identification and management of subclinical disease activity in early multiple sclerosis: a review

IMPORTANCE

Early treatment initiation in multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial in preventing irreversible neurological damage and disability progression. The current assessment of disease activity relies on relapse rates and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion activity, but inclusion of other early, often "hidden," indicators of disease activity may describe a more comprehensive picture of MS.

OBSERVATIONS

Early indicators of MS disease activity other than relapses and MRI activity, such as cognitive impairment, brain atrophy, and fatigue, are not typically captured by routine disease monitoring. Furthermore, silent progression (neurological decline not clearly captured by standard methods) may occur undetected by relapse and MRI lesion activity monitoring. Consequently, patients considered to have no disease activity actually may have worsening disease, suggesting a need to revise MS management strategies with respect to timely initiation and escalation of disease-modifying therapy (DMT). Traditionally, first-line MS treatment starts with low- or moderate-efficacy therapies, before escalating to high-efficacy therapies (HETs) after evidence of breakthrough disease activity. However, multiple observational studies have shown that early initiation of HETs can prevent or reduce disability progression. Ongoing randomized clinical trials are comparing escalation and early HET approaches.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

There is an urgent need to reassess how MS disease activity and worsening are measured. A greater awareness of "hidden" indicators, potentially combined with biomarkers to reveal silent disease activity and neurodegeneration underlying MS, would provide a more complete picture of MS and allow for timely therapeutic intervention with HET or switching DMTs to address suboptimal treatment responses.

Practical Considerations for Managing Pregnancy in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Dispelling the Myths

Purpose of Review

Lack of consistent data and guidance have led to variations between clinicians in the management of pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). Pregnant and/or lactating women are often excluded from clinical trials conducted in MS, and thus, the labeling for most disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) excludes use during pregnancy. This has led to heterogeneity in interpretation and labeling regarding the safety of DMTs during pregnancy and lactation and the required preconception washout periods. This review identifies key themes where there is conflicting information surrounding family planning and pregnancy in MS, focusing on the most common discussion points between physicians and patients during preconception planning, pregnancy, postpartum, and lactation. The goal was to inform the patient-physician conversation and provide best practice recommendations based on expert clinical expertise and experience.

Recent Findings

We outline the latest evidence-based data for DMT use during pregnancy and lactation, the effect of MS on fertility and fertility treatments, the risk of adverse pregnancy and delivery outcomes, the risk of postpartum relapse, and immunization and clinical imaging safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Summary

Management of family planning and pregnancy in patients with MS requires the most current information. Health care providers should discuss family planning early and frequently with patients with MS, and partners where practicable. Because management of pregnant people with MS will often require a risk/benefit analysis of their needs, shared decision-making in family planning discussions is emphasized. Additional data are needed for specific and underrepresented populations with MS (e.g., single parents or those from the LGBTQ+ community) and those at risk of racial and socioeconomic disparities in care. Pregnancy registries and the design and conduct of clinical trials focused on pregnant and lactating patients should provide additional data to guide the ongoing management of patients with MS.

Evaluation of drivers of treatment switch in relapsing multiple sclerosis: a study from the Italian MS Registry

BACKGROUND

Active relapsing-remitting (RR) and secondary progressive (SP) multiple sclerosis (MS) are currently defined as "relapsing MS" (RMS). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess drivers of treatment switches due to clinical relapses in a population of RMS patients collected in the Italian MS and Related Disorders Register (I-MS&RD).

METHODS

RRMS and SPMS patients with at least one relapse in a time window of 2 years before of data extraction were defined as RMS. Factors associated with disease-modifying therapy (DMT) switching due to clinical activity were assessed through multivariable logistic regression models in which treatment exposure was included as the last recorded DMT and the last DMT's class [moderate-efficacy (ME), high-efficacy (HE) DMTs and anti-CD20 drugs].

RESULTS

A cohort of 4739 RMS patients (4161 RRMS, 578 SPMS) was extracted from the I-MS&RD. A total of 2694 patients switching DMTs due to relapses were identified. Switchers were significantly (p < 0.0001) younger, less disabled, more frequently affected by an RR disease course in comparison to non-switcher patients. The multivariable logistic regression models showed that Alemtuzumab (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.37), Natalizumab (0.48, 0.30-0.76), Ocrelizumab (0.1, 0.02-0.45) and Rituximab (0.23, 0.06-0.82) exposure was a protective factor against treatment switch due to relapses. Moreover, the use of HE DMTs (0.43, 0.31-0.59), especially anti-CD20 drugs (0.14, 0.05-0.37), resulted to be a protective factor against treatment switch due to relapses in comparison with ME DMTs.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 50% of RMS switched therapy due to disease activity. HE DMTs, especially anti-CD20 drugs, significantly reduce the risk of treatment switch.

Consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Neurology on the treatment of multiple sclerosis and holistic patient management in 2023

The last consensus statement of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Demyelinating Diseases Study Group on the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) was issued in 2016. Although many of the positions taken remain valid, there have been significant changes in the management and treatment of MS, both due to the approval of new drugs with different action mechanisms and due to the evolution of previously fixed concepts. This has enabled new approaches to specific situations such as pregnancy and vaccination, and the inclusion of new variables in clinical decision-making, such as the early use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMT), consideration of the patient's perspective, and the use of such novel technologies as remote monitoring. In the light of these changes, this updated consensus statement, developed according to the Delphi method, seeks to reflect the new paradigm in the management of patients with MS, based on the available scientific evidence and the clinical expertise of the participants. The most significant recommendations are that immunomodulatory DMT be started in patients with radiologically isolated syndrome with persistent radiological activity, that patient perspectives be considered, and that the term "lines of therapy" no longer be used in the classification of DMTs (> 90% consensus). Following diagnosis of MS, the first DMT should be selected according to the presence/absence of factors of poor prognosis (whether epidemiological, clinical, radiological, or biomarkers) for the occurrence of new relapses or progression of disability; high-efficacy DMTs may be considered from disease onset.

Long-term clinical outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis who are initiating disease-modifying therapy with natalizumab compared with BRACETD first-line therapies

Background

Aggressive disease control soon after multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis may prevent irreversible neurological damage, and therefore early initiation of a high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is of clinical relevance.

Objectives

Evaluate long-term clinical outcomes in patients with MS who initiated treatment with either natalizumab or a BRACETD therapy (interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, or dimethyl fumarate).

Design

This retrospective analysis utilized data from MSBase to create a matched population allowing comparison of first-line natalizumab to first-line BRACETD.

Methods

This study included patients who initiated treatment either with natalizumab or a BRACETD DMT within 1 year of MS diagnosis and continued treatment for ⩾6 months, after which patients could switch DMTs or discontinue treatment. Patients had a minimum follow-up time of ⩾60 months from initiation. A subgroup analysis compared the natalizumab group to patients in the BRACETD group who escalated therapy after 6 months. Outcomes included unadjusted annualized relapse rates (ARRs), time-to-first relapse, time-to-first confirmed disability improvement (CDI), and time-to-first confirmed disability worsening (CDW).

Results

After 1:1 propensity score matching, 355 BRACETD patients were matched to 355 natalizumab patients. Patients initiating natalizumab were less likely to experience a relapse over the duration of follow-up, with ARRs [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 0.080 (0.070-0.092) for natalizumab patients and 0.191 (0.178-0.205) for BRACETD patients (p < 0.0001). A Cox regression model of time-to-first relapse showed a reduced risk of relapse for natalizumab patients [hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.52 (0.42-0.65); p < 0.001] and a more favorable time-to-first CDI. The risk of CDW was similar between groups. The subgroup analysis showed an increased relapse risk as well as a significantly higher risk of CDW for BRACETD patients.

Conclusion

Early initiation of natalizumab produced long-term benefits in relapse outcomes in comparison with BRACETD, regardless of a subsequent escalation in therapy.

Combination protein biomarkers predict multiple sclerosis diagnosis and outcomes

Establishing biomarkers to predict multiple sclerosis diagnosis and prognosis has been challenging using a single biomarker approach. We hypothesised that a combination of biomarkers would increase the accuracy of prediction models to differentiate multiple sclerosis from other neurological disorders and enhance prognostication for people with multiple sclerosis. We measured 24 fluid biomarkers in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of 77 people with multiple sclerosis and 80 people with other neurological disorders, using ELISA or Single Molecule Array assays. Primary outcomes were multiple sclerosis versus any other diagnosis, time to first relapse, and time to disability milestone (Expanded Disability Status Scale 6), adjusted for age and sex. Multivariate prediction models were calculated using the area under the curve value for diagnostic prediction, and concordance statistics (the percentage of each pair of events that are correctly ordered in time for each of the Cox regression models) for prognostic predictions. Predictions using combinations of biomarkers were considerably better than single biomarker predictions. The combination of cerebrospinal fluid [chitinase-3-like-1 + TNF-receptor-1 + CD27] and serum [osteopontin + MCP-1] had an area under the curve of 0.97 for diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, compared to the best discriminative single marker in blood (osteopontin: area under the curve 0.84) and in cerebrospinal fluid (chitinase-3-like-1 area under the curve 0.84). Prediction for time to next relapse was optimal with a combination of cerebrospinal fluid[vitamin D binding protein + Factor I + C1inhibitor] + serum[Factor B + Interleukin-4 + C1inhibitor] (concordance 0.80), and time to Expanded Disability Status Scale 6 with cerebrospinal fluid [C9 + Neurofilament-light] + serum[chitinase-3-like-1 + CCL27 + vitamin D binding protein + C1inhibitor] (concordance 0.98). A combination of fluid biomarkers has a higher accuracy to differentiate multiple sclerosis from other neurological disorders and significantly improved the prediction of the development of sustained disability in multiple sclerosis. Serum models rivalled those of cerebrospinal fluid, holding promise for a non-invasive approach. The utility of our biomarker models can only be established by robust validation in different and varied cohorts.

Insights for Healthcare Providers on Shared Decision-Making in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

Shared decision-making (SDM) between the patient and their healthcare provider (HCP) in developing treatment plans is increasingly recognized as central to improving treatment adherence and, ultimately, patient outcomes. In multiple sclerosis (MS), SDM is particularly crucial for optimizing treatment in a landscape that has grown more complex with the availability of newer, high-efficacy MS therapies. However, little direct evidence on the effectiveness of SDM is available to guide practice. Multiple factors, including patient age, ethnic background, perceptions, invisible MS symptoms, and psychological comorbidities can influence a patient's willingness and ability to participate in SDM. HCPs need to appreciate these factors and ask the right questions to break down obstacles to SDM. The HCP has a responsibility to help patients feel adequately informed and comfortable in having an active role in their care. This review identifies potential barriers to SDM and provides a strategy for HCPs to overcome these obstacles through patient (and caregiver) discussions to ensure optimal patient satisfaction with treatment and thus the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis remains one of the most common causes of neurological disability in the young adult population (aged 18-40 years). Novel pathophysiological findings underline the importance of the interaction between genetics and environment. Improvements in diagnostic criteria, harmonised guidelines for MRI, and globalised treatment recommendations have led to more accurate diagnosis and an earlier start of effective immunomodulatory treatment than previously. Understanding and capturing the long prodromal multiple sclerosis period would further improve diagnostic abilities and thus treatment initiation, eventually improving long-term disease outcomes. The large portfolio of currently available medications paved the way for personalised therapeutic strategies that will balance safety and effectiveness. Incorporation of cognitive interventions, lifestyle recommendations, and management of non-neurological comorbidities could further improve quality of life and outcomes. Future challenges include the development of medications that successfully target the neurodegenerative aspect of the disease and creation of sensitive imaging and fluid biomarkers that can effectively predict and monitor disease changes.

Assessing 'no evidence of disease activity' status in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a long-term follow-up

Introduction

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS with an autoimmune pathogenesis. Over the years, numerous disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have proven effective in disease control; to date, there is a need to identify a personalized treatment effective in ensuring disease-free status or no evidence of disease activity (NEDA).

Objective

identify clinical, demographic and treatment approach characteristics that affect the maintenance of NEDA-3 and the occurrence of clinical relapses during a 6-years follow-up.

Materials and method

a retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of MS patients followed up with six-year period. All participants were treated with first- or second-line MS drugs.Clinical relapse, NEDA-3 at 6 years and sustained EDSS were assessed as disease activity outcomes. Patients with follow-up of less than 6 years and insufficient clinical and radiological data were excluded from the study.

Results

Two-hundred-eighty naive patients (mean age was 49.8 years, SD ± 11.35 years, 23-76, F/M 182/98), with MS were followed up for 6 years.The mean age at diagnosis was 34.3 years (SD ±11.5, 14-62 years), the mean EDSS score at the onset was 1.9 (±1.3), 76.8% of patients had an EDSS below or equal to 2.5 at diagnosis.In the cohort 37 (13.2%) directly received second-line treatment, 243 (86.8%) received first-line drugs.The analysis showed that second-line treatment from beginning had a protective effect for the achievement of NEDA-3 (p = 0.029), on the prevention of clinical relapse (p = 0.018) and on number of relapses (p = 0.010); this finding was confirmed by logistic regression analysis (p = 0.04) and Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.034).

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of targeted and early intervention so as to act in the right time window, ensuring a favorable outcome in both clinical and radiological terms; this could be decisive in reducing clinical relapse, disease progression and related disability. Therefore, prescribing highly effective drug in the early stages of the disease represents a leading strategy with the most favorable cost-benefit ratio.

Stability of longitudinal DTI metrics in MS with treatment of injectables, fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffusion MRI (dMRI) is sensitive to microstructural changes in white matter of people with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (pw-RRMS) that lead to progressive disability. The role of diffusion in assessing the efficacy of different therapies requires more investigation. This study aimed to evaluate selected dMRI metrics in normal-appearing white matter and white matter-lesion in pw-RRMS and healthy controls longitudinally and compare the effect of therapies given.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Structural and dMRI scans were acquired from 78 pw-RRMS (29 injectables, 36 fingolimod, 13 dimethyl fumarate) and 43 HCs at baseline and 2-years follow-up. Changes in dMRI metrics and correlation with clinical parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Differences were observed in most clinical parameters between pw-RRMS and HCs at both timepoints (p ≤ 0.01). No significant differences in average changes over time were observed for any dMRI metric between treatment groups in either tissue type. Diffusion metrics in NAWM and WML correlated negatively with most cognitive domains, while FA correlated positively at baseline but only for NAWM at follow-up (p ≤ 0.05). FA correlated negatively with disability in NAWM and WML over time, while MD and RD correlated positively only in NAWM.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first DTI study comparing the effect of different treatments on dMRI parameters over time in a stable cohort of pw-RRMS. The results suggest that brain microstructural changes in a stable MS cohort are similar to HCs independent of the therapies used.

Variability of the response to immunotherapy among subgroups of patients with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study assessed the effect of patient characteristics on the response to disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

We extracted data from 61,810 patients from 135 centers across 35 countries from the MSBase registry. The selection criteria were: clinically isolated syndrome or definite MS, follow-up ≥ 1 year, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≥ 3, with ≥1 score recorded per year. Marginal structural models with interaction terms were used to compare the hazards of 12-month confirmed worsening and improvement of disability, and the incidence of relapses between treated and untreated patients stratified by their characteristics.

RESULTS

Among 24,344 patients with relapsing MS, those on DMTs experienced 48% reduction in relapse incidence (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45-0.60), 46% lower risk of disability worsening (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.41-0.71), and 32% greater chance of disability improvement (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.09-1.59). The effect of DMTs on EDSS worsening and improvement and the risk of relapses was attenuated with more severe disability. The magnitude of the effect of DMT on suppressing relapses declined with higher prior relapse rate and prior cerebral magnetic resonance imaging activity. We did not find any evidence for the effect of age on the effectiveness of DMT. After inclusion of 1985 participants with progressive MS, the effect of DMT on disability mostly depended on MS phenotype, whereas its effect on relapses was driven mainly by prior relapse activity.

CONCLUSIONS

DMT is generally most effective among patients with lower disability and in relapsing MS phenotypes. There is no evidence of attenuation of the effect of DMT with age.

External validation of a clinical prediction model in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Timely initiation of disease modifying therapy is crucial for managing multiple sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to validate a previously published predictive model of individual treatment response using a non-overlapping cohort from the Middle East.

METHODS

We interrogated the MSBase registry for patients who were not included in the initial model development. These patients had relapsing MS or clinically isolated syndrome, a recorded date of disease onset, disability and dates of disease modifying therapy, with sufficient follow-up pre- and post-baseline. Baseline was the visit at which a new disease modifying therapy was initiated, and which served as the start of the predicted period. The original models were used to translate clinical information into three principal components and to predict probability of relapses, disability worsening or improvement, conversion to secondary progressive MS and treatment discontinuation as well as changes in the area under disability-time curve (ΔAUC). Prediction accuracy was assessed using the criteria published previously.

RESULTS

The models performed well for predicting the risk of disability worsening and improvement (accuracy: 81%-96%) and performed moderately well for predicting the risk of relapses (accuracy: 73%-91%). The predictions for ΔAUC and risk of treatment discontinuation were suboptimal (accuracy < 44%). Accuracy for predicting the risk of conversion to secondary progressive MS ranged from 50% to 98%.

CONCLUSION

The previously published models are generalisable to patients with a broad range of baseline characteristics in different geographic regions.

Prediction of relapse activity when switching to cladribine for multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis commonly switch between disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Identifying predictors of relapse when switching could improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine predictors of relapse hazard when switching to cladribine.

METHODS

Data of patients who switched to cladribine, grouped by prior disease-modifying therapy (pDMT; interferon-β/glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, fingolimod or natalizumab (NTZ)), were extracted from the MSBase Registry. Predictors of relapse hazard during the treatment gap and the first year of cladribine therapy were determined.

RESULTS

Of 513 patients, 22 relapsed during the treatment gap, and 38 within 1 year of starting cladribine. Relapse in the year before pDMT cessation predicted treatment gap relapse hazard (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI)  = 1.03-5.71). After multivariable adjustment, relapse hazard on cladribine was predicted by relapse before pDMT cessation (HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.01-4.02), treatment gap relapse (HR = 6.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.65-14.41), switch from NTZ (HR compared to injectable therapies 4.08, 95% CI = 1.35-12.33) and age at cladribine start (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.91-0.99).

CONCLUSION

Relapse during or prior to the treatment gap, and younger age, are of prognostic relevance in the year after switching to cladribine. Switching from NTZ is also independently associated with greater relapse hazard.

Evaluating the impact of early vs delayed ofatumumab initiation and estimating the long-term outcomes of ofatumumab vs teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients in Spain

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of early (at first-line) vs delayed (3-year delay) ofatumumab initiation and long-term clinical, societal, and economic outcomes of ofatumumab vs teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) patients from a Spanish societal perspective.

METHODS

A cost-consequence analysis was conducted using an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)-based Markov model. Inputs were sourced from ASCLEPIOS I and II trials and published literature.

RESULTS

At the end of 10 years, compared with first-line teriflunomide treatment, early first-line ofatumumab initiation was projected to result in 35.6% fewer patients progressing to EDSS ≥ 7 and 27.8% fewer relapses. The ofatumumab cohort required 7.3% reduced informal care time and had 19% fewer disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) than the teriflunomide cohort. A 3-year delay in ofatumumab treatment (3-year teriflunomide + 7-year ofatumumab) was projected to result in 32.2% more patients progressing to EDSS ≥ 7, 20.2% more relapses, 5.4% increased informal care time, and 16.6% more DALYs compared with early ofatumumab initiation. Early ofatumumab initiation was associated with total annual cost savings (excluding disease-modifying-therapies' acquisition costs) of €35,328 ($34,549; conversion factor 1€= $1.02255) and €24,373 ($23,836) per patient vs teriflunomide and 3-year delayed ofatumumab initiation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the benefits of early initiation of high-efficacy therapy such as ofatumumab vs its delayed initiation for improving the outcomes in RMS patients (having characteristics similar to those of patients included in the ASCLEPIOS trials). Ofatumumab treatment was projected to provide improved long-term clinical, societal, and economic outcomes vs teriflunomide treatment in RMS patients from a Spanish societal perspective.

High-Efficacy Therapies for Treatment-Naïve Individuals with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

There are > 18 distinct disease-modifying therapy (DMT) options covering 10 mechanisms of action currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Given the multitude of available treatment options, and recent international consensus guidelines offering differing recommendations, there is broad heterogeneity in how the DMTs are used in clinical practice. Choosing a DMT for newly diagnosed patients with MS is currently a topic of significant debate in MS care. Historically, an escalation approach to DMT was used for newly diagnosed patients with RRMS. However, the evidence for clinical benefits of early treatment with high-efficacy therapies (HETs) in this population is emerging. In this review, we provide an overview of the DMT options and MS treatment strategies, and discuss the clinical benefits of HETs (including ofatumumab, ocrelizumab, natalizumab, alemtuzumab, and cladribine) in the early stages of MS, along with safety concerns associated with these DMTs. By minimizing the accumulation of neurological damage early in the disease course, early treatment with HETs may enhance long-term clinical outcomes over the lifetime of the patient.

Comparing switch to ocrelizumab, cladribine or natalizumab after fingolimod treatment cessation in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

To compare the effectiveness and treatment persistence of ocrelizumab, cladribine and natalizumab in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis switching from fingolimod.

METHODS

Using data from MSBase registry, this multicentre cohort study included subjects who had used fingolimod for ≥6 months and then switched to ocrelizumab, cladribine or natalizumab within 3 months after fingolimod discontinuation. We analysed relapse and disability outcomes after balancing covariates using an inverse-probability-treatment-weighting method. Propensity scores for the three treatments were obtained using multinomial-logistic regression. Due to the smaller number of cladribine users, comparisons of disability outcomes were limited to natalizumab and ocrelizumab.

RESULTS

Overall, 1045 patients switched to ocrelizumab (n=445), cladribine (n=76) or natalizumab (n=524) after fingolimod. The annualised relapse rate (ARR) for ocrelizumab was 0.07, natalizumab 0.11 and cladribine 0.25. Compared with natalizumab, the ARR ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 0.67 (0.47 to 0.96) for ocrelizumab and 2.31 (1.30 to 4.10) for cladribine; the hazard ratio (95% CI) for time to first relapse was 0.57 (0.40 to 0.83) for ocrelizumab and 1.18 (0.47 to 2.93) for cladribine. Ocrelizumab users had an 89% lower discontinuation rate (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.20) than natalizumab, but also a 51% lower probability of confirmed disability improvement (95% CI, 0.32 to 0.73). There was no difference in disability accumulation.

CONCLUSION

After fingolimod cessation, ocrelizumab and natalizumab were more effective in reducing relapses than cladribine. Due to the low ARRs in all three treatment groups, additional observation time is required to determine if statistical difference in ARRs results in long-term disability differences.

Peripheral myeloid-derived suppressor cells are good biomarkers of the efficacy of fingolimod in multiple sclerosis

Background

The increasing number of treatments that are now available to manage patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) highlights the need to develop biomarkers that can be used within the framework of individualized medicine. Fingolimod is a disease-modifying treatment that belongs to the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators. In addition to inhibiting T cell egress from lymph nodes, fingolimod promotes the immunosuppressive activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), whose monocytic subset (M-MDSCs) can be used as a biomarker of disease severity, as well as the degree of demyelination and extent of axonal damage in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. In the present study, we have assessed whether the abundance of circulating M-MDSCs may represent a useful biomarker of fingolimod efficacy in EAE and in the clinical context of MS patients.

Methods

Treatment with vehicle or fingolimod was orally administered to EAE mice for 14 days in an individualized manner, starting the day when each mouse began to develop clinical signs. Peripheral blood from EAE mice was collected previous to treatment and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from fingolimod to treat MS patients’ peripheral blood. In both cases, M-MDSCs abundance was analyzed by flow cytometry and its relationship with the future clinical affectation of each individual animal or patient was assessed.

Results

Fingolimod-treated animals presented a milder EAE course with less demyelination and axonal damage, although a few animals did not respond well to treatment and they invariably had fewer M-MDSCs prior to initiating the treatment. Remarkably, M-MDSC abundance was also found to be an important and specific parameter to distinguish EAE mice prone to better fingolimod efficacy. Finally, in a translational effort, M-MDSCs were quantified in MS patients at baseline and correlated with different clinical parameters after 12 months of fingolimod treatment. M-MDSCs at baseline were highly representative of a good therapeutic response to fingolimod, i.e., patients who met at least two of the criteria used to define non-evidence of disease activity-3 (NEDA-3) 12 months after treatment.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that M-MDSCs might be a useful predictive biomarker of the response of MS patients to fingolimod.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02635-3.

Current status and new developments in sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor antagonism: fingolimod and more

INTRODUCTION

Fingolimod was the first oral disease-modifying treatment approved for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) that serves as a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) agonist. The efficacy is primarily mediated by S1PR subtype 1 activation, leading to agonist-induced down-modulation of receptor expression and further functional antagonism, blocking the egression of auto-aggressive lymphocytes from the lymph nodes in the peripheral compartment. The role of S1P signaling in the regulation of other pathways in human organisms through different S1PR subtypes has received much attention due to its immune-modulatory function and its significance for the regeneration of the central nervous system (CNS). The more selective second-generation S1PR modulators have improved safety and tolerability profiles.

AREAS COVERED

This review has been carried out based on current data on S1PR modulators, emphasizing the benefits of recent advances in this emergent class of immunomodulatory treatment for MS.

EXPERT OPINION

Ongoing clinical research suggests that S1PR modulators represent an alternative to first-line therapies in selected cases of MS. A better understanding of the relevance of selective S1PR pathways and the ambition to optimize selective modulation has improved the safety and tolerability of S1PR modulators in MS therapy and opened new perspectives for the treatment of other diseases.

Unmet Needs and Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: Focus on the Role of Ofatumumab

Treatment-pattern data suggest that some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) may not be receiving optimal treatment. A virtual meeting of ten expert Saudi neurologists, held on October 23, 2020, discussed unmet needs in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and the role of ofatumumab as a suitable treatment in the KSA. Multiple unmet needs were identified: poor quality of life, with high rates of depression and anxiety; a negative impact of MS on work ability; treatment choices that may compromise efficacy for safety or vice versa; inconvenient or complex dosage regimens; and limited access to patient education and support. Early use of highly effective disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) results in better patient outcomes than starting with less effective treatments and downstream escalation, but this strategy may be underutilized in the KSA. B cells are important in MS pathogenesis, and treatments targeting these may improve clinical outcomes. Ofatumumab differs from other B cell-depleting therapies, being a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 at a completely separate site from the epitope bound by ocrelizumab, and being administered by subcutaneous injection. When compared with teriflunomide in two randomized, phase 3 clinical trials in patients with RRMS, ofatumumab was associated with significant reductions in annualized relapse rates, rates of confirmed disability worsening, and active lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. The incidence of adverse events, including serious infections, was similar with the two treatments. Ofatumumab is a valuable first- or second-line treatment option for RRMS in the KSA, particularly for patients who would benefit from highly effective DMTs early in the disease course, and for those who prefer the convenience of self-injection. Future research will clarify the position of ofatumumab in RRMS treatment, and comparative cost data may support the broad inclusion of ofatumumab in formularies across the KSA.

Early versus delayed treatment with glatiramer acetate: Analysis of up to 27 years of continuous follow-up in a US open-label extension study

Background:

Glatiramer acetate (GA) is US-approved for relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Objectives:

To describe GA long-term clinical profile. To compare effectiveness of early start (ES) versus delayed start (DS; up to 3 years) with GA.

Methods:

Phase 3 trial participants entered a randomized placebo-controlled period then an open-label extension (OLE) with GA.

Results:

Overall, 208 out of 251 (82.9%) randomized participants entered the OLE; 24 out of 101 (23.8%, ES) and 28 out of 107 (26.2%, DS) participants completed the OLE. Median GA treatment was 9.8 (0.1–26.3) years. Annualized change in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was lower with ES versus DS (p = 0.0858: full study; p = 0.002; Year 5). Participants with improved/stable EDSS was consistently higher with ES versus DS: 40.3% versus 31.6% (p = 0.1590; full study); 70.8% versus 55.6% (p = 0.015; Year 5). ES prolonged time-to-6-month confirmed disease worsening (CDW) versus DS (9.8 vs 6.7 years), time-to-12-month CDW (18.9 vs 11.6 years), and significantly reduced time-to-second-6-month CDW (p = 0.0441). No new safety concerns arose.

Conclusion:

GA long-term treatment maintained clinical benefit with a similar safety profile to phase 3 results; a key limitation was that only 25% of participants completed the OLE. Early initiation of GA had sustained benefits versus delayed treatment.

Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients using Early First-line Treatments

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic management of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has evolved towards early treatment. The objective was to assess the impact of early treatment initiation on disability progression among RRMS first-line treated patients.

METHODS

This study included all incident RRMS cases starting interferon or glatiramer acetate for the first time from 1996/01/01 to 2012/31/12 (N=5,279) from ten MS expert OFSEP centers (Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques). The delay from treatment start to attain an irreversible Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 3.0 were compared between "Early" group (N= 1,882; treated within 12 months following MS clinical onset) and "Later" group using propensity score weighted Kaplan-Meier methods, overall and stratified by age.

RESULTS

Overall, the restricted mean time before reaching EDSS 3.0 (RMST) from treatment start was 11 years and two months for patients treated within the year following MS clinical onset and 10 years and seven months for patients treated later. Thus, early treated patients gained 7 months (95% CI: [4-11] months) in the time to reach EDSS 3.0 compared to patients treated later (treatment start delayed by 28 months). The difference in RMST was respectively six months (95% CI: [1-10] months) and 14 months (95% CI: [4-24] months) in the "≤40 years" age group and in the ">40 years" age group, in favour of early group. .

CONCLUSIONS

Early treatment initiation resulted in a significant reduction of disability progression among patients with RRMS, and also among older patients.

Prediction of multiple sclerosis outcomes when switching to ocrelizumab

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are switched to highly effective disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) such as ocrelizumab.

OBJECTIVE

To determine predictors of relapse and disability progression when switching from another DMT to ocrelizumab.

METHODS

Patients with RRMS who switched to ocrelizumab were identified from the MSBase Registry and grouped by prior disease-modifying therapy (pDMT; interferon-β/glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, fingolimod or natalizumab) and washout duration (<1 month, 1-2 months or 2-6 months). Survival analyses including multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to identify predictors of on-ocrelizumab relapse within 1 year, and 6-month confirmed disability progression (CDP).

RESULTS

After adjustment, relapse hazard when switching from fingolimod was greater than other pDMTs, but only in the first 3 months of ocrelizumab therapy (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.57-11.11, p = 0.004). The adjusted hazard for CDP was significantly higher with longer washout (2-6 m compared to <1 m: HR = 9.57, 95% CI = 1.92-47.64, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The risk of disability worsening during switch to ocrelizumab is reduced by short treatment gaps. Patients who cease fingolimod are at heightened relapse risk in the first 3 months on ocrelizumab. Prospective evaluation of strategies such as washout reduction may help optimise this switch.

The socioeconomic impact of multiple sclerosis in France: Results from the PETALS study

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) places a considerable financial burden on the society. However, data quantifying the contemporary cost burden in France are lacking.

Objective

This cost-of-illness study aimed to estimate the direct and indirect costs associated with MS in France.

Methods

Between October 2020-November 2020, 208 French adults with a confirmed diagnosis of MS were recruited via MSCopilot^® (a new MS self-assessment digital solution) and several MS patient networks. Indirect costs were estimated using a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches. Direct costs were retrieved from Assurance Maladie (i.e. national system of health insurance) publications. Out-of-pocket expenses (OOPEs) incurred by MS patients were also reported. All costs were expressed in €2020. Data from the survey were extrapolated to the overall French MS population.

Results

MS exerted an annual cost burden of €2.7 billion on the French society (indirect costs: €1.3 billion; direct costs: €1.4 billion). Mean annual costs were €27,164.7 per-patient, with indirect and direct costs accounting for 48.1% and 51.9% of the total annual costs, respectively. OOPEs contributed over €90 million to the total annual costs.

Conclusions

MS imposes a substantial cost burden on the French society, with approximately half of the total annual costs driven by indirect costs.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in patients with multiple sclerosis in the Czech Republic: results from core and extension parts of the GOLEMS study up to 48 months

Background

Fingolimod, an oral sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor immunomodulator, is approved in Europe for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) with highly active disease despite a full and adequate course of treatment with ≥ 1 disease-modifying therapy or patients with rapidly evolving severe relapsing–remitting MS. GOLEMS, a national, multicenter, non-interventional, single-arm, real-world study showed a favorable benefit–risk profile of 12-month treatment with fingolimod in pwMS in the Czech Republic. Here, we evaluated the long-term effectiveness and safety of fingolimod and its impact on disability progression and work capability for up to 48 months in pwMS.

Methods

The endpoints assessed were the incidence and severity of MS relapses in fingolimod-treated patients and the proportion of relapse-free patients up to 48 months of fingolimod treatment, change from baseline in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and change from baseline in work capability assessment. Efficacy outcomes were analyzed in the completed and efficacy sets, and safety was evaluated in all the enrolled patients.

Results

Of 240 enrolled patients, 237 were included into efficacy set. Patients with a minimum of a 12-month observation period in the core study who continued fingolimod treatment, were eligible to participate in the extension phase. Of 211 patients enrolled in extension study, 155 were evaluated in the completed set. Based on analysis of 48-month period of fingolimod treatment, 95/237 patients (40.1%) in the efficacy set, 54/155 (34.8%) in the completed set were free of relapses. The majority of relapses reported were moderate in intensity. Mean EDSS score remained stable throughout 48-month study period (Baseline, 3.4; Month 48, 3.6). No trend was observed in changes in work capability assessment or number of missed days of work. Of 240 enrolled patients, 147 (61.3%) had ≥ 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (AE) and 20 (8.3%) reported serious AEs. In total, 45 patients (18.8%) permanently discontinued treatment because of AEs related to study drug; two patients reported pregnancy after treatment initiation and subsequently discontinued the treatment; no deaths were reported.

Conclusion

GOLEMS study demonstrated the sustained effectiveness and manageable safety profile of fingolimod under real-world conditions over 48 months in patients with MS.

Trial registration

Not applicable.

Efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in recently diagnosed, treatment-naive patients with multiple sclerosis: Results from ASCLEPIOS I and II

Background:

In the phase III ASCLEPIOS I and II trials, participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis receiving ofatumumab had significantly better clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes than those receiving teriflunomide.

Objectives:

To assess the efficacy and safety of ofatumumab versus teriflunomide in recently diagnosed, treatment-naive (RDTN) participants from ASCLEPIOS.

Methods:

Participants were randomized to receive ofatumumab (20 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks) or teriflunomide (14 mg orally once daily) for up to 30 months. Endpoints analysed post hoc in the protocol-defined RDTN population included annualized relapse rate (ARR), confirmed disability worsening (CDW), progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) and adverse events.

Results:

Data were analysed from 615 RDTN participants (ofatumumab: n = 314; teriflunomide: n = 301). Compared with teriflunomide, ofatumumab reduced ARR by 50% (rate ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.50 (0.33, 0.74); p < 0.001), and delayed 6-month CDW by 46% (hazard ratio (HR; 95% CI): 0.54 (0.30, 0.98); p = 0.044) and 6-month PIRA by 56% (HR: 0.44 (0.20, 1.00); p = 0.049). Safety findings were manageable and consistent with those of the overall ASCLEPIOS population.

Conclusion:

The favourable benefit–risk profile of ofatumumab versus teriflunomide supports its consideration as a first-line therapy in RDTN patients.

ASCLEPIOS I and II are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02792218 and NCT02792231).

Escalation vs. Early Intense Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

The treatment strategy of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly controversial debate. Currently, there are up to 19 drugs approved. However, there is no clear evidence to guide fundamental decisions such as what treatment should be chosen in first place, when treatment failure or suboptimal response should be considered, or what treatment should be considered in these cases. The "escalation strategy" consists of starting treatment with drugs of low side-effect profile and low efficacy, and "escalating" to drugs of higher efficacy-with more potential side-effects-if necessary. This strategy has prevailed over the years. However, the evidence supporting this strategy is based on short-term studies, in hope that the benefits will stand in the long term. These studies usually do not consider the heterogeneity of the disease and the limited effect that relapses have on the long-term. On the other hand, "early intense therapy" strategy refers to starting treatment with drugs of higher efficacy from the beginning, despite having a less favorable side-effect profile. This approach takes advantage of the so-called "window of opportunity" in hope to maximize the clinical benefits in the long-term. At present, the debate remains open. In this review, we will critically review both strategies. We provide a summary of the current evidence for each strategy without aiming to reach a definite conclusion.

Efficacy of Cladribine Tablets as a Treatment for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for the CLOBAS Study (Cladribine, a Multicenter, Long-term Efficacy and Biomarker Australian Study)

Background

Cladribine tablets (marketed as Mavenclad) are a new oral therapy, which has recently been listed on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme in Australia for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). The current dosing schedule is for 2 courses given a year apart, which has been shown to be effective for treatment of MS for up to 4 years in 75% of patients (based on annualized relapse rate). However, the reinitiation of therapy after year 4 has not been studied.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cladribine tablets over a 6-year period, according to no evidence of disease activity 3.

Methods

This will be a multicenter, 6-year, phase IV, low interventional, observational study that incorporates clinical, hematological, biochemical, epigenetic, radiological and cognitive biomarkers of disease. Participants considered for treatment with cladribine as part of their routine clinical care will be consented to take part in the study. They will be monitored at regular intervals during the initial course of medication administration in years 1 and 2. After year 3, patients will have the option of redosing, if clinically indicated, or to switch to another disease-modifying therapy. Throughout the duration of the study, we will assess blood-based biomarkers including lymphocyte subsets, serum neurofilament light chain, DNA methylation, and RNA analysis as well as magnetic resonance imaging findings (brain volume and/or lesion load) and cognitive performance.

Results

This study has been approved by the Hunter New England Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee. Recruitment began in March of 2019 and was completed by June 2021.

Conclusions

This will be the first long-term efficacy trial of cladribine, which offers reinitiation of therapy in the 3rd year, based on disease activity, after the initial 2 courses. We expect that this study will indicate whether any of the assessed biomarkers can be used to predict treatment efficacy or the need for future reinitiation of cladribine in people with MS.

Trial Registration

This study is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000257167) with Universal Trial Number (U1111-1228-2165).

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/24969

Flipping the ICF: Exploring the Interplay of Theory and the Lived Experience to Reconsider Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling People With Multiple Sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) report lower physical activity levels and are at a risk of becoming sedentary. As such, they are at an increased risk of developing secondary health conditions associated with inactivity. This is of major public health concern. Attempts to improve the physical activity levels in people with MS remain a challenge for health professionals. One key reason might be the lack of understanding about the meanings people with MS ascribe to exercise and physical activity. This paper draws on the key findings of a three-phased interconnected mixed methods sequential explanatory study to examine the meanings of exercise and physical activity from the perspectives of people with MS and health professionals. Phase 1 used a four-round Delphi questionnaire to scope and determine the consensus of priorities for exercise and physical activity and the reasons why people with MS (N = 101) engaged in these activities. Phase 2 used face-to-face semistructured interviews of people with MS (N = 16) to explore the meanings ascribed to exercise and physical activity. Phase 3 explored the perceptions of physiotherapists (N = 14) about exercise and physical activity using three focus groups. Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health as a theoretical framework to underpin this study, the authors discuss the key factors, for example, emphasis on the contextual factors, that drive decision making around exercise and physical activity participation in people with MS and explore the clinical implications to health professionals.

Prediction in treatment outcomes in multiple sclerosis: challenges and recent advances

INTRODUCTION

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system with a course dependent on early treatment response. Increasing evidence also suggests that despite eliminating disease activity (relapses and lesions), many patients continue to accrue disability, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive definition of treatment success. Optimizing disability outcome measures, as well as continuously improving our understanding of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative biomarkers is required.

AREAS COVERED

This review describes the challenges inherent in classifying and monitoring disease phenotype in MS. The review also provides an assessment of clinical, radiological, and blood biomarker tools for current and future practice.

EXPERT OPINION

Emerging MRI techniques and standardized patient outcome assessments will increase the accuracy of initial diagnosis and understanding of disease progression.

Racial and ethnic disparities in treatment response and tolerability in multiple sclerosis: A comparative study

BACKGROUND

Inter-individual response and tolerability profiles associated with available disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) are an important aspect of the therapeutic decision-making process in multiple sclerosis (MS). In the absence of racially diverse clinical studies, the possible effect of race and ethnicity on treatment outcome remains uncertain. This study aims to compare disease outcome among Hispanic, Black, and White patients with MS, and assess the impact of race/ethnicity on long-term outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective review of electronic medical records was performed on a multiethnic cohort of MS patients treated in a large academic center. Sociodemographic characteristics, treatment regimens, and disability outcomes were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

A total of 300 age- and gender-matched MS patients (100 Hispanic, 100 Black, and 100 White) were included in the study. When assessing the overall survival of MS patients without ambulatory disability 5 years from diagnosis, Hispanics and Blacks attained lower survival times compared to Whites (survival time ratio [STR] 0.17, p = 0.004; and 0.14, p = 0.002, respectively). Black patients had the highest rate of disease progression and treatment-limiting adverse events despite similar sociodemographic profiles and DMT exposure relative to Hispanics and Whites.

CONCLUSION

Racial/ethnic disparities in treatment outcome create an unmet need to identify tailored, multifaceted approaches to therapy selection in MS.

Baseline characteristics and effects of fingolimod on cognitive performance in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Background and purpose

Studies reporting the baseline determinants of cognitive performance and treatment effect on cognition in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited. We investigated the baseline correlates of cognition and the long‐term treatment effects of fingolimod 0.5 mg once daily on cognitive processing speed and attention in patients with relapsing‐remitting MS.

Methods

This post hoc analysis pooled data from the phase 3 FREEDOMS and FREEDOMS II trials (N = 1556). We assessed the correlation between baseline patient demographic and disease characteristics and baseline 3‐second Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT‐3) scores (Spearman's rank test) and the changes from baseline in PASAT‐3 (mixed model repeated measures model) in the fingolimod and placebo (up to 24 months) or placebo‐fingolimod switched (from Month 24 up to 120 months) groups. Additionally, the predictive value of PASAT‐3 score for future disease outcomes was assessed (Cox or logistic regression models).

Results

Among the variables assessed, lower PASAT‐3 score at baseline correlated with higher disease burden (total brain volume, T2 lesion volume, and Expanded Disability Status Scale score), longer disease duration and older age (p < 0.0001 for all). Fingolimod significantly improved PASAT‐3 scores from baseline versus placebo at 6 (1.3; p = 0.0007), 12 (1.1; p = 0.0044) and 24 months (1.1; p = 0.0028), with a sustained effect (overall treatment effect p = 0.0012) up to 120 months. Improvements were seen regardless of baseline cognitive status (PASAT quartile). Baseline PASAT‐3 score was predictive of both clinical and magnetic resonance imaging measures of disease activity at Month 24 (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

Early fingolimod treatment may offer long‐term cognitive benefit in patients with relapsing‐remitting MS.

The effect of national disease-modifying therapy subsidy policy on long-term disability outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are used to treat people with relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis (ROMS), but our knowledge is largely limited to their short-term effects.

OBJECTIVE

To determine (1) the impact of national-level DMT subsidy policy on DMT use and health outcomes in people with MS (PwMS) and (2) the long-term effects of DMT on disability and quality of life (QoL; 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) utility value).

METHODS

This observational cohort study compared Australian and New Zealand populations with different levels of DMT availability 10-20 years post-ROMS diagnosis. Between-country differences were assessed using standardised differences. Associations were assessed with multivariable linear regression models.

RESULTS

We recruited 328 Australians and 256 New Zealanders. The Australian cohort had longer DMT treatment duration, greater proportion of disease course treated and shorter duration between diagnosis and starting DMT. The Australian cohort had lower median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (3.5 vs 4.0) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) (3.05 vs 3.71) and higher QoL (0.71 vs 0.65). In multivariable models, between-country differences in disability and QoL were largely attributed to differential use of DMT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence for the impact of national-level DMT policy on disability outcomes in PwMS. Where DMTs are more accessible, PwMS experienced less disability progression and improved QoL 10-20 years post-diagnosis.

Long-term disability trajectories in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients treated with early intensive or escalation treatment strategies

Background and aims:

No consensus exists on how aggressively to treat relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) nor on the timing of the treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate disability trajectories in RRMS patients treated with an early intensive treatment (EIT) or with a moderate-efficacy treatment followed by escalation to higher-efficacy disease modifying therapy (ESC).

Methods:

RRMS patients with ⩾5-year follow-up and ⩾3 visits after disease modifying therapy (DMT) start were selected from the Italian MS Registry. EIT group included patients who received as first DMT fingolimod, natalizumab, mitoxantrone, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, cladribine. ESC group patients received the high efficacy DMT after ⩾1 year of glatiramer acetate, interferons, azathioprine, teriflunomide or dimethylfumarate treatment. Patients were 1:1 propensity score (PS) matched for characteristics at the first DMT. The disability trajectories were evaluated by applying a longitudinal model for repeated measures. The effect of early versus late start of high-efficacy DMT was assessed by the mean annual Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) changes compared with baseline values (delta-EDSS) in EIT and ESC groups.

Results:

The study cohort included 2702 RRMS patients. The PS matching procedure produced 363 pairs, followed for a median (interquartile range) of 8.5 (6.5–11.7) years. Mean annual delta-EDSS values were all significantly (p < 0.02) higher in the ESC group compared with the EIT group. In particular, the mean delta-EDSS differences between the two groups tended to increase from 0.1 (0.01–0.19, p = 0.03) at 1 year to 0.30 (0.07–0.53, p = 0.009) at 5 years and to 0.67 (0.31–1.03, p = 0.0003) at 10 years.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that EIT strategy is more effective than ESC strategy in controlling disability progression over time.

Update on treatment in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. In recent years, many disease-modifying therapies (DMT) have been approved for MS treatment. For this reason, a profound knowledge of the characteristics and indications of the available compounds is required to tailor the therapeutic strategy to the individual patient characteristics. This should include the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic of the drug, the safety and efficacy profile provided by clinical trials, as well as the understanding of possible side effects. Moreover, the evolving knowledge of the disease is paving the way to new and innovative therapeutic approaches, as well as the development of new biomarkers to monitor the therapeutic response and to guide the clinician's therapeutic choices. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview on currently approved therapies in MS and the emerging evidence-based strategies to adopt for initiating, monitoring, and eventually adapting a therapeutic regimen with DMT.

Digital Twins for Multiple Sclerosis

An individualized innovative disease management is of great importance for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) to cope with the complexity of this chronic, multidimensional disease. However, an individual state of the art strategy, with precise adjustment to the patient's characteristics, is still far from being part of the everyday care of pwMS. The development of digital twins could decisively advance the necessary implementation of an individualized innovative management of MS. Through artificial intelligence-based analysis of several disease parameters - including clinical and para-clinical outcomes, multi-omics, biomarkers, patient-related data, information about the patient's life circumstances and plans, and medical procedures - a digital twin paired to the patient's characteristic can be created, enabling healthcare professionals to handle large amounts of patient data. This can contribute to a more personalized and effective care by integrating data from multiple sources in a standardized manner, implementing individualized clinical pathways, supporting physician-patient communication and facilitating a shared decision-making. With a clear display of pre-analyzed patient data on a dashboard, patient participation and individualized clinical decisions as well as the prediction of disease progression and treatment simulation could become possible. In this review, we focus on the advantages, challenges and practical aspects of digital twins in the management of MS. We discuss the use of digital twins for MS as a revolutionary tool to improve diagnosis, monitoring and therapy refining patients' well-being, saving economic costs, and enabling prevention of disease progression. Digital twins will help make precision medicine and patient-centered care a reality in everyday life.

Early treatment delays long-term disability accrual in RRMS: Results from the BMSD network

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of treatment starts for achieving the best control on the long-term disability accumulation in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still to be defined.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate the optimal time to start disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to prevent the long-term disability accumulation in MS, using a pooled dataset from the Big Multiple Sclerosis Data (BMSD) network.

METHODS

Multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for the time to first treatment start from disease onset (in quintiles) were used. To mitigate the impact of potential biases, a set of pairwise propensity score (PS)-matched analyses were performed. The first quintile, including patients treated within 1.2 years from onset, was used as reference.

RESULTS

A cohort of 11,871 patients (median follow-up after treatment start: 13.2 years) was analyzed. A 3- and 12-month confirmed disability worsening event and irreversible Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 4.0 and 6.0 scores were reached by 7062 (59.5%), 4138 (34.9%), 3209 (31.1%), and 1909 (16.5%) patients, respectively. The risk of reaching all the disability outcomes was significantly lower (p < 0.0004) for the first quintile patients' group.

CONCLUSION

Real-world data from the BMSD demonstrate that DMTs should be commenced within 1.2 years from the disease onset to reduce the risk of disability accumulation over the long term.

Efficacy classification of modern therapies in multiple sclerosis

Background: The Association of British Neurologists (ABN) 2015 guidelines suggested classifying multiple sclerosis therapies according to their average relapse reduction. We sought to classify newer therapies (cladribine, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ozanimod) based on these guidelines. Materials & methods: Therapies were classified by using direct comparative trial results as per ABN guidelines and generating classification probabilities for each therapy based on comparisons versus placebo in a network meta-analysis for annualized relapse rate. Results: For both approaches, cladribine and ofatumumab were classified as high efficacy. Ocrelizumab and ozanimod (1.0 mg) were classified as moderate or high efficacy depending on the approach used. Conclusion: Cladribine and ofatumumab have an efficacy comparable with therapies classified in the ABN guidelines as high efficacy.

Effect of switching from natalizumab to moderate- vs high-efficacy DMT in clinical practice

Objective

To assess the real-world comparative effectiveness of switching from natalizumab (NTZ) to a moderate-efficacy (Mod) disease-modifying therapy (DMT) vs high-efficacy therapy (HET) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Patients discontinuing NTZ at two MS centers (n = 556) who switched to Mod DMT (n = 270) vs HET (n = 130) were assessed using propensity score (PS) weighting. PS model covariates included demographics and baseline clinical and MRI characteristics. All outcomes were reported as Mod DMT vs HET.

Results

Of the patients included in the study, 48.6% switched to Mod DMT (dimethyl fumarate, n = 130; fingolimod, n = 140) vs 23.4% who switched to HET (ocrelizumab, n = 106; rituximab, n = 17; alemtuzumab, n = 7). Within the first 6 months post-NTZ, switchers to Mod DMT experienced comparable relapses (odds ratio [OR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.72-1.66], p = 0.724), although they had increased MRI activity on treatment (OR = 2.59, 95% CI [1.09-3.57], p = 0.037). By 24 months post-NTZ, there was no difference in the annualized relapse rate (OR = 1.44, 95% CI [0.69-1.59], p = 0.334) or time to first clinical relapse (HR = 2.12, 95% CI [0.87-5.17], p = 0.090), although switchers to Mod DMT had higher gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) lesions (OR = 3.62, 95% CI [1.56-5.21], p = 0.005), earlier time to first GdE lesion (HR = 6.67, 95% CI [2.06-9.16], p = 0.002), lower proportion with the absence of disease activity (OR = 0.41, 95% CI [0.21-0.71], p = 0.004), and higher risk of disability progression on T25FW (OR = 1.83, 95% CI [1.06-3.02], p = 0.043) and 9-HPT (OR = 1.81, 95% CI [1.05-3.56], p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Patients switching from NTZ to Mod DMT vs HET were at relatively increased risk of disease activity within the first 6 months of NTZ withdrawal that was sustained at 24 months, yielding greater disability progression.

Interferons and Multiple Sclerosis: Lessons from 25 Years of Clinical and Real-World Experience with Intramuscular Interferon Beta-1a (Avonex)

Recombinant interferon (IFN) β-1b was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as the first disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1993. Since that time, clinical trials and real-world observational studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of IFN therapies. The pivotal intramuscular IFN β-1a phase III trial published in 1996 was the first to demonstrate that a DMT could reduce accumulation of sustained disability in MS. Patient adherence to treatment is higher with intramuscular IFN β-1a, given once weekly, than with subcutaneous formulations requiring multiple injections per week. Moreover, subcutaneous IFN β-1a is associated with an increased incidence of injection-site reactions and neutralizing antibodies compared with intramuscular administration. In recent years, revisions to MS diagnostic criteria have improved clinicians' ability to identify patients with MS and have promoted the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis and disease monitoring. MRI studies show that treatment with IFN β-1a, relative to placebo, reduces T2 and gadolinium-enhancing lesions and gray matter atrophy. Since the approval of intramuscular IFN β-1a, a number of high-efficacy therapies have been approved for MS, though the benefit of these high-efficacy therapies should be balanced against the increased risk of serious adverse events associated with their long-term use. For some subpopulations of patients, including pregnant women, the safety profile of IFN β formulations may provide a particular benefit. In addition, the antiviral properties of IFNs may indicate potential therapeutic opportunities for IFN β in reducing the risk of viral infections such as COVID-19.