Anti-JC Virus Serostatus Changes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in US Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treated with Natalizumab (P12-3.007)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To assess changes in the proportion of patients who converted to a positive anti-JC virus (JCV) antibody (Ab) serostatus before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. <h3>Background:</h3> Natalizumab, approved to treat relapsing MS, is associated with increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a rare opportunistic infection of the brain due to JCV. Masking and social distancing in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly attenuated the spread of seasonal influenza in 2020–2021. The mode of JCV transmission is not well defined, thus the pandemic offered a unique epidemiological opportunity to evaluate if isolation and masking during the COVID-19 pandemic affected JCV transmission. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Data from the TOUCH database for 22,375 patients treated with natalizumab in the US from 2017–2022 with available anti-JCV Ab record was assessed in annual epochs from April 1 to March 31. Anti-JCV Ab serostatus was determined by STRATIFY JCV^® DxSELECT. US regions examined (Northeast/South/Central/West) were determined using infusion site ZIP codes. <h3>Results:</h3> From April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, anti-JCV Ab serostatus change was observed for 7.7% of patients, with serostatus change of 7.4% and 7.4% of patients in the following 2 years (2018–2019 and 2019–2020). During the first and second years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021 and 2021–2022), 7.3% and 7.2% of patients’ serostatus changed, respectively. There were no differences in serostatus change by US region. Multivariate predictors of JC seroconversion will be shown when presented. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The proportion of natalizumab patients with anti-JCV Ab serostatus change did not significantly differ during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the 3 prior years. These results suggest that, in contrast to seasonal influenza, masking and social distancing had no discernable effect on JCV serostatus changes. If not spread through social contact, further studies are needed to understand how JCV is transmitted. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Krieger has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. Dr. Krieger has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for EMD Serono. Dr. Krieger has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentech. Dr. Krieger has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. Dr. Krieger has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for TG Therapeutics. Dr. Krieger has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Sanofi. Dr. Krieger has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Expert Witness. The institution of Dr. Krieger has received research support from Novartis. The institution of Dr. Krieger has received research support from Bristol Myers Squibb. Mrs. Sinks has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Biogen . Dr. Huang has nothing to disclose. Ms. Wen has a non-compensated relationship as a Statistician with Biogen that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Mrs. Steverson has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Biogen. Mrs. Steverson has stock in Biogen. An immediate family member of Dr. Piccinini has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Biogen. Dr. Piccinini has received stock or an ownership interest from Biogen. Dr. Kalina has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Biogen. Dr. White has stock in Biogen. Mrs. Avila has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Biogen. Mrs. Avila has stock in Biogen.