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Shobeirean A, Attar H, Varshochian R, Rezvanfar MA. Glatiramer acetate in situ forming gel, a new approach for multiple sclerosis treatment. Daru 2024:10.1007/s40199-024-00532-z. [PMID: 39225953 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-024-00532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glatiramer acetate (GA), a commonly used treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), requires long-term frequent injections to ensure its effectiveness. This often leads to adverse effects, patient noncompliance, and economic inefficiency. OBJECTIVES In this study, poloxamer, as a thermosensitive polymer modified by chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA), was employed to prepare an in situ forming prolonged release formulation of GA to overcome the problems derived from frequent repeated injections and to enhance the patient compliance. METHODS The sol-gel formulation was produced through a cold method and optimized using design of experiments. The final product was characterized in terms of gelation time (GT), rheological behaviors, morphological properties, assay, and drug release kinetics. RESULTS The in vitro release rate of GA during the first 24 h was quite rapid, but then it continued at a slower rate of 0.05 mg ml-1h-1. The in vivo analysis after the subcutaneous injections showed lower levels of IL-5, IL-13, and uric acid (UA) in mice treated with the gel formulation compared with those receiving free GA in the first few days. However, after 10 days, significantly higher concentrations were detected, which continued to increase slowly. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that the designed thermosensitive sol-gel formula is capable of extending the effectiveness of GA and can be considered as a promising sustained release formulation for the treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Shobeirean
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Attar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Varshochian
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Amin Rezvanfar
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wang YC, Kung WM, Chung YH, Kumar S. Drugs to Treat Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1818-1829. [PMID: 37013428 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230403125140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with disorders of the nervous system, and it is induced in response to many factors, including pathogen infection, brain injury, toxic substances, and autoimmune diseases. Astrocytes and microglia have critical roles in neuroinflammation. Microglia are innate immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), which are activated in reaction to neuroinflammation-inducing factors. Astrocytes can have pro- or anti-inflammatory responses, which depend on the type of stimuli presented by the inflamed milieu. Microglia respond and propagate peripheral inflammatory signals within the CNS that cause low-grade inflammation in the brain. The resulting alteration in neuronal activities leads to physiological and behavioral impairment. Consequently, activation, synthesis, and discharge of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors occur. These events lead to many neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis discussed in this study. After understanding neuroinflammation mechanisms and the involvement of neurotransmitters, this study covers various drugs used to treat and manage these neurodegenerative illnesses. The study can be helpful in discovering new drug molecules for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chin Wang
- Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency, Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Woon-Man Kung
- Department of Exercise and Health Promotion, College of Kinesiology and Health, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiu Chung
- Department of Medical Research and Development, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
- School of Law (Patent), Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare St, Nottingham, NG14FQ, England
- Pomato IP (Ignite Your Idea), Nottingham, England
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3
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Naser Moghadasi A, Ashtari F, Baghbanian SM, Shaygannejad V, Anjidani N, Ghadiri F, Sedighi B, Saeidi M, Amirifard H, Ayromlou H, Beladi Moghadam N, Ranjbar MB, Nazeri M, Niknam Z, Faraji F, Afsorde A, Sahraian MA. Safety and Effectiveness of Cinnomer ® on Disease Characteristics, Depression, and Quality of Life of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Phase IV, Post-marketing, Prospective, Multicenter Study. ARCHIVES OF IRANIAN MEDICINE 2023; 26:647-653. [PMID: 38310425 PMCID: PMC10864943 DOI: 10.34172/aim.2023.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every patient diagnosed with definite multiple sclerosis (MS) should begin disease modifying therapies. Cinnomer® contains 40 mg glatiramer acetate (GA) and is available in prefilled syringes and autoinjector devices. METHODS A phase IV multicenter study was conducted to explore the safety and effectiveness of Cinnomer® in the treatment of MS. Study-related data were collected for 14 months. RESULTS Totally, 368 Iranian relapsing-remitting MS patients in nine cities were enrolled. The patients were either treatment naïve (n=191) or switchers (n=177). Cinnomer® treatment was associated with a significant reduction in annual relapse rate (ARR) (RR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.98). Final mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores showed improvement from baseline (difference: -0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.34, -0.08). There was a significant decrease in gad-enhancing lesions during treatment (difference: -0.38, 95% CI: -0.64, -0.12). The mean score for the depression measure (21-item BDI-II questionnaire) significantly improved (difference: -2.39, 95% CI: -3.74, -1.03). There was a significant change in the "psychological well-being" dimension (P=0.02) (in line with BDI-II scores) and "rejection" MusiQoL dimensions (P=0.04). The adverse events documented throughout the study were not unexpected for GA and were principally not serious. CONCLUSION Safety measures were in line with the known profiles of GA. The results suggest that Cinnomer® is effective with respect to clinical outcomes and from the patient's perspective and in reducing MRI-measured MS activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Ashtari
- Isfahan University of Medical sciences, Kashani Comprehensive MS Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Baghbanian
- Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship, Neurology Department, Boualicina Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Vahid Shaygannejad
- Isfahan University of Medical sciences, Kashani Comprehensive MS Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Fereshteh Ghadiri
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Sedighi
- Neurology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Morteza Saeidi
- Department of Neurology, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamed Amirifard
- Department of Neurology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hormoz Ayromlou
- Neurology Department, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nahid Beladi Moghadam
- Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoume Nazeri
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Department of Neurology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Fardin Faraji
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Sahraian
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Mirabella M, Annovazzi P, Brownlee W, Cohen JA, Kleinschnitz C, Wolf C. Treatment Challenges in Multiple Sclerosis – A Continued Role for Glatiramer Acetate? Front Neurol 2022; 13:844873. [PMID: 35493825 PMCID: PMC9051342 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.844873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Earlier diagnosis, access to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), and improved supportive care have favorably altered the disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to an improvement in long-term outcomes for people with MS (PwMS). This success has changed the medical characteristics of the population seen in MS clinics. Comorbidities and the accompanying polypharmacy, immune senescence, and the growing number of approved DMTs make selecting the optimal agent for an individual patient more challenging. Glatiramer acetate (GA), a moderately effective DMT, interacts only minimally with comorbidities, other medications, or immune senescence. We describe here several populations in which GA may represent a useful treatment option to overcome challenges due to advanced age or comorbidities (e.g., hepatic or renal disease, cancer). Further, we weigh GA's potential merits in other settings where PwMS and their neurologists must base treatment decisions on factors other than selecting the most effective DMT, e.g., family planning, conception and pregnancy, or the need for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Mirabella
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca Sclerosi Multipla (CERSM), Università Cattolica, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimiliano Mirabella ; orcid.org/0000-0002-7783-114X
| | - Pietro Annovazzi
- MS Center, ASST Valle Olona, Gallarate Hospital, Gallarate, Italy
| | - Wallace Brownlee
- Queen Square MS Centre, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey A. Cohen
- Department of Neurology, Mellen Center, Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Bart VMT, Pickering RJ, Taylor PR, Ipseiz N. Macrophage reprogramming for therapy. Immunology 2021; 163:128-144. [PMID: 33368269 PMCID: PMC8114216 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the immune system underlies a plethora of human diseases, requiring the development of immunomodulatory therapeutic intervention. To date, most strategies employed have been focusing on the modification of T lymphocytes, and although remarkable improvement has been obtained, results often fall short of the intended outcome. Recent cutting-edge technologies have highlighted macrophages as potential targets for disease control. Macrophages play central roles in development, homeostasis and host defence, and their dysfunction and dysregulation have been implicated in the onset and pathogenesis of multiple disorders including cancer, neurodegeneration, autoimmunity and metabolic diseases. Recent advancements have led to a greater understanding of macrophage origin, diversity and function, in both health and disease. Over the last few years, a variety of strategies targeting macrophages have been developed and these open new therapeutic opportunities. Here, we review the progress in macrophage reprogramming in various disorders and discuss the potential implications and challenges for macrophage-targeted approaches in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert J Pickering
- Immunology Network, Adaptive Immunity Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK.,Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philip R Taylor
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Natacha Ipseiz
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Pavelek Z, Sobíšek L, Šarláková J, Potužník P, Peterka M, Štětkárová I, Štourač P, Mareš J, Hradílek P, Ampapa R, Grünermelová M, Vachová M, Recmanová E, Angelucci F, Halúsková S, Vališ M. Comparison of Therapies in MS Patients After the First Demyelinating Event in Real Clinical Practice in the Czech Republic: Data From the National Registry ReMuS. Front Neurol 2021; 11:593527. [PMID: 33510704 PMCID: PMC7835499 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.593527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Well-established drugs used for MS patients after the first demyelinating event in the Czech Republic include glatiramer acetate (GA), interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a), IFN beta-1b (IFNβ-1b), peginterferon beta-1a (peg-IFNβ-1a), and teriflunomide. Objective: The objective of this observational study was to compare the effectiveness of the abovementioned drugs in patients with MS who initiated their therapy after the first demyelinating event. Patients were followed for up to 2 years in real clinical practice in the Czech Republic. Methods: A total of 1,654 MS patients treated after the first demyelinating event and followed up for 2 years were enrolled. Evaluation parameters (endpoints) included the annualized relapse rate (ARR), time to next relapse, change in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and time of confirmed disease progression (CDP). When patients ended the therapy before the observational period, the reason for ending the therapy among different treatments was compared. Results: No significant difference was found among the groups of patients treated with IFNβ-1a/1b, GA, or teriflunomide for the following parameters: time to the first relapse, change in the EDSS score, and the proportion of patients with CDP. Compared to IFNβ-1a (44 mcg), a significant increase in the percentage of relapse-free patients was found for GA, but this treatment effect was not confirmed by the validation analysis. Compared to the other drugs, there was a significant difference in the reasons for terminating GA therapy. Conclusion: Small differences were found among GA, IFNβ and teriflunomide therapies, with no significant impact on the final outcome after 2 years. Therefore, in clinical practice, we recommend choosing the drug based on individual potential risk from long-term therapy and on patient preferences and clinical characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbyšek Pavelek
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Lukáš Sobíšek
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Jana Šarláková
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Pavel Potužník
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Plzen, Charles University in Prague, Plzeň, Czechia
| | - Marek Peterka
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Plzen, Charles University in Prague, Plzeň, Czechia
| | - Ivana Štětkárová
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Hospital Kralovské Vinohrady, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Štourač
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Mareš
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University and University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Pavel Hradílek
- Clinic of Neurology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Radek Ampapa
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Jihlava, Jihlava, Czechia
| | | | - Marta Vachová
- Department of Neurology, KZ a.s., Hospital Teplice, Teplice, Czechia
| | - Eva Recmanová
- Department of Neurology, Tomas Bata Regional Hospital, Zlín, Czechia
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Králové, Czechia.,Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Simona Halúsková
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Martin Vališ
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Hradec Králové, Czechia
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7
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Rome BN, Tessema FA, Kesselheim AS. US Spending Associated With Transition From Daily to 3-Times-Weekly Glatiramer Acetate. JAMA Intern Med 2020; 180:1165-1172. [PMID: 32897384 PMCID: PMC7372513 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.2771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Market exclusivity for daily injections of glatiramer acetate, a disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis, expired in 2015. In 2014, the manufacturer launched an alternate 3-times-weekly version that was widely adopted, sustaining market dominance of brand-name glatiramer until late 2017. OBJECTIVE To estimate excess US spending associated with the transition from daily to 3-times-weekly glatiramer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This economic evaluation estimated total US glatiramer spending from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2019, using a national cohort from 3 data sources that collectively represent approximately 40% of the US glatiramer market: Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and a claims database of commercially insured and Medicare Advantage patients. EXPOSURES Calendar quarter. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes were quarterly US glatiramer spending, estimated as price × use. Manufacturer list prices for generic products and estimates of net (postrebate) prices for brand-name products were used. Linear regression and interrupted time series models were used to compare spending trends in 3 periods: before generic competition (2011-2015), during generic competition for daily glatiramer (2015-2017), and during generic competition for daily and 3-times-weekly glatiramer (2017-2019). RESULTS From 2011 to 2015, US glatiramer spending increased to $962 million per quarter and did not decrease with generic competition of only daily glatiramer (2015-2017). After generic competition began for 3-times-weekly glatiramer in 2017, prices decreased by 47% to 64%, and spending decreased to $508 million per quarter in 2019 (P < .001 for slope). The delay in decreased spending from 2015 to 2017 was associated with excess spending of $4.3 billion to $6.5 billion. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that 2.5 years of delayed generic competition related to introduction of a new version of branded glatiramer acetate was associated with $4.3 billion to $6.5 billion in excess spending. Extended market exclusivity from introducing a new version of an existing brand-name drug can yield manufacturer returns out of proportion to the level of investment or risk involved; more limited incentives could encourage incremental innovations to existing drugs at a lower societal cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N Rome
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Frazer A Tessema
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron S Kesselheim
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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8
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Cree BAC, Goldman MD, Corboy JR, Singer BA, Fox EJ, Arnold DL, Ford C, Weinstock-Guttman B, Bar-Or A, Mientus S, Sienkiewicz D, Zhang Y, Karan R, Tenenbaum N. Efficacy and Safety of 2 Fingolimod Doses vs Glatiramer Acetate for the Treatment of Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol 2020; 78:2769864. [PMID: 32852530 PMCID: PMC7445630 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.2950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Doses of fingolimod lower than 0.5 mg per day were not investigated during the fingolimod clinical development program. Whether lower doses of fingolimod might retain efficacy with fewer safety risks remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fingolimod, 0.5 mg, and fingolimod, 0.25 mg, compared with glatiramer acetate and to assess whether these doses of fingolimod show superior efficacy to glatiramer acetate in adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. INTERVENTIONS Fingolimod, 0.5 mg, or fingolimod, 0.25 mg, orally once per day or glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, subcutaneously once per day. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Multiple Sclerosis Study Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of Two Doses of Fingolimod Versus Copaxone (ASSESS) was a phase 3b multicenter randomized rater-blinded and dose-blinded 12-month clinical trial conducted between August 9, 2012, and April 30, 2018 (including the time required to recruit participants). A total of 1461 patients aged 18 to 65 years with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were screened, and 1064 participants were randomized. These participants had at least 1 documented relapse during the previous year or 2 documented relapses during the previous 2 years and an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0 to 6 at screening. Data were analyzed between September and November 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The superiority of the fingolimod doses was tested hierarchically, with fingolimod, 0.5 mg, vs glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, tested first, followed by fingolimod, 0.25 mg, vs glatiramer acetate, 20 mg. The primary end point was the reduction in annualized relapse rate (ARR). Magnetic resonance imaging parameters, safety, and tolerability were also assessed. RESULTS Of 1461 adult patients screened, 1064 participants (72.8%) were randomized (mean [SD] age, 39.6 [11.0] years; 792 women [74.4%]) to 3 treatment groups: 352 participants received fingolimod, 0.5 mg, 370 participants received fingolimod, 0.25 mg, and 342 participants received glatiramer acetate, 20 mg. In total, 859 participants (80.7%) completed the study. Treatment with fingolimod, 0.5 mg, was superior to treatment with glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, in reducing ARR (40.7% relative reduction); the relative reduction with fingolimod, 0.25 mg, was 14.6%, which was not statistically significant (for fingolimod, 0.5 mg, ARR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.11-0.21; for fingolimod, 0.25 mg, ARR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.17-0.29; for glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, ARR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.20-0.34). Treatment with both fingolimod doses (0.5 mg and 0.25 mg) significantly reduced new or newly enlarging T2 and gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions compared with treatment with glatiramer acetate. Adverse events were reported in similar proportions across treatment groups (312 participants [90.4%] in the fingolimod, 0.5 mg, group, 323 participants [88.3%] in the fingolimod, 0.25 mg, group, and 283 participants [87.3%] in the glatiramer acetate group). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Fingolimod, 0.5 mg, demonstrated superior clinical efficacy compared with glatiramer acetate, 20 mg, and had a superior benefit-risk profile compared with fingolimod, 0.25 mg, in adult participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01633112.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A. C. Cree
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Myla D. Goldman
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | - John R. Corboy
- Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Barry A. Singer
- The Multiple Sclerosis Center for Innovations in Care, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St Louis
| | | | - Douglas L. Arnold
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Amit Bar-Or
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | | | - Ying Zhang
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey
| | | | - Nadia Tenenbaum
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey
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