Discontinuation Of Dimethyl Fumarate Research Articles

Maternal and fetal outcomes in an Italian multicentric cohort of women with multiple sclerosis exposed to dimethyl fumarate during pregnancy.

Evidence on the impact of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) during pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) is limited. To investigate disease activity and pregnancy outcomes in a retrospective cohort of women exposed to DMF in early pregnancy. Women discontinuing DMF after pregnancy confirmation were identified from 29 Italian MS Centers. Disease activity 12 months before conception, during pregnancy, and 12 months postpartum were recorded, exploring reactivation predictors. Pregnancy and fetal outcomes were assessed. The study analyzed 137 pregnancies (12 pregnancy losses, 125 live births) from 137 women (mean age 32.9 ± 4.7 years), discontinuing DMF within a median (interquartile range (IQR)) interval of 4.9 (3.7-5.7) weeks from conception. In live birth pregnancies, annualized relapse rate (ARR) significantly decreased during pregnancy (ARR = 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.14, p = 0.021) compared to pre-conception (ARR = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.14-0.30)) and increased postpartum ((ARR = 0.22 (95% CI: 0.15-0.32), p = 0.006). Median time to first relapse (TTFR) was 3.16 (IQR: 1:87-5.42) months. Higher pre-conception relapse number (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.08-5.02) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.17-2.74) were associated with shorter TTFR, while treatment resumption with longer TTFR (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.74). Fetal outcomes were unaffected by DMF exposure. DMF discontinuation does not increase relapse risk during pregnancy. Early therapy restart prevents postpartum relapses. Early DMF exposure shows no adverse fetal outcomes.

Discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis - a nationwide study

BackgroundAdherence is a prerequisite for the efficacy of any drug, and previous studies have shown that non-adherence is associated with disease activity and increased health care cost in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to investigate rates and reasons for discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) among people with MS on a national level and differences between clinics in Denmark. MethodsThis was a nationwide, registry and population study of patients treated with DMF. We calculated standard residuals (SR) demonstrate differences between clinics. For survival analysis regarding discontinuation rates and discontinuation due to specific AEs we used log-rank test Cox-proportional hazards and plotted Kaplan-Meier graphics. ResultsWe included 2,448 people with MS, treated with DMF from 2013 to 2020. Average treatment duration was 26 months (5,382 treatment years). 49.2 % of patients who initiated treatment with DMF (n = 1205) were continuously treated. Reasons for discontinuation were adverse events (54.5 %, n = 656), active disease (26.1 %, n = 315), pregnancy (9.4 %, n = 113) or other reasons (13.2 %, n = 159). We compared SR to the mean regarding reasons for discontinuation and found significant differences between sites regarding gastrointestinal adverse events, flushing and lymphopenia. Discontinuation due to all adverse events, flushing and lymphopenia were more frequent in female than male patients. ConclusionIn this population-based study, we found major differences between the MS clinics in rates and reason for discontinuation of DMF. Our results suggest that management strategies during DMF treatment can reduce discontinuation rates.

Actual adherence to dimethyl fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease with numerous disease-modifying treatments available, including dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a first-line therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Although rates of discontinuation of DMF are generally low in clinical trials, non-adherence to treatment is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Assessing real-world adherence and predictive factors is critical to be able to improve clinical outcomes for patients. This study evaluated adherence to DMF over 24 months in a cohort of patients treated in a Portuguese healthcare centre. A prospective, non-interventional, single-centre study with 24 months' follow-up was conducted. The study included adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with DMF in routine clinical practice. Adherence to DMF was calculated and patients were considered to have adhered if the value was above 80%. Clinical and socio-demographic variables were compared between groups. Of the 80 patients included, 74% were women, with a mean age of 39 years and a mean age of 32 years at diagnosis. Twenty-six patients had not received any previous treatment. Adherence varied between 93, 82 and 87.5% at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. No differences were found between patients who had not received any prior treatment and those who had been treated. This real-world analysis showed significant adherence to DMF treatment by Portuguese patients over a period of two years. However, these results must be interpreted in the light of the substantial changes in outpatient consultations and the various periodic restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had an important effect on patient follow-up and data collection.

044 Safety and efficacy of dimethyl fumarate in ESTEEM UK cohort

IntroductionESTEEM (NCT02047097) is an ongoing 5-year, global study characterizing long-term safety and effectiveness of routinely prescribed dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We report results from an analysis of the UK cohort of ESTEEM.MethodsThe primary objective of ESTEEM is to assess the incidence, type, and patterns of serious adverse events (SAEs), and AEs leading to discontinuation of DMF in routine practice. Secondary objectives include assessment of annualized relapse rate (ARR) and proportion of patients without relapse at 6 and 12 months.ResultsOf 238 UK patients (median age 42 years, 187[79%] female), SAEs were reported in 14(6%) patients. AEs leading to discontinuation occurred in n=53(22.3%) patients; the most common of these were gas- trointestinal disorders (n=20;8.4%). Unadjusted ARR declined by 84%(95%confidence interval [CI]=68– 100%;P<0.0001), from 0.74(95%CI=0.63–0.85) 12 months before enrollment to 0.12(95%CI=0.07–0.16) the year after enrollment. The proportion of relapse-free patients was 93.8%(n=223) and 87.9%(n=209) at 6 and 12 months, respectively.ConclusionsNo new safety signals were observed in patients treated with DMF routinely for one year. ARR was significantly reduced vs the year prior to enrollment. Safety/efficacy results were similar between the UK and overall ESTEEM populations.SupportBiogen; disclosures detailed on poster.fiona.syndercombe@biogen.com

Thyroid Disorders in Patients Treated with Dimethyl Fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a drug used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis, has been shown to activate the Keap1/Nrf2 antioxidant response. Nrf2 exerts pleiotropic roles in the thyroid gland; among others, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding Nrf2 modulate the risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), suggesting that pharmacological activation of Nrf2 might also be protective. However, a patient with acute exacerbation of HT after starting DMF for MS was recently reported, raising questions about the thyroidal safety of Nrf2 activators. Methods: In a retrospective observational study, we investigated the prevalence and incidence of thyroid disorders (TD) among 163 patients with MS treated with DMF. Results: Only 7/163 patients (4.3%) were diagnosed with functional TD; most (5/163, 3.0%) were diagnosed before DMF treatment. Functional TD were diagnosed under or after DMF in only 2 patients (1.2%). Under DMF, one patient developed transient mild hypothyroidism with negative thyroid autoantibodies. After DMF discontinuation, another patient developed hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease. No patient developed thyroid structural disease under or after DMF. Conclusions: The very low incidence of functional TD indicates an overall very good thyroid tolerance of DMF, arguing against screening for TD in MS patients considered for or treated with DMF, and supporting the further study of Nrf2 activators for the prevention and treatment of TD.

Real world comparison of teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate in naïve relapsing multiple sclerosis patients: Evidence from the Italian MS register

BackgroundTeriflunomide (TERI) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) are licensed as first-line disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) and are largely replacing injectable DMTs. MethodsAll RRMS patients starting TERI or DMF between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, were included in the analysis. Time to first relapse, time to confirmed disability progression (CDP), and time to DMT discontinuation have been investigated. Propensity score with inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW-PS) was used to adjust comparisons for baseline confounders. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness, and rate of discontinuation of TERI and DMF as first therapeutic choice in the Italian MS register. ResultsA total of 683 patients were considered for the analyses, 185 on TERI and 498 on DMF. Patients on TERI had higher number of relapses (2.3 ± 1.4 vs 1.9 ± 1.1, p=.033) and higher baseline disability level assessed by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (2.0, interquartile range-IQR 1.0–3.0 vs 1.5, IQR 1.0–2.0, p=.013). IPTW adjusted Cox models did not reveal any difference between the investigated DMTs for the investigated outcomes. ConclusionsTERI and DMF have similar effectiveness and rate of discontinuation when employed as first therapeutic choice in RRMS patients.

A Retrospective Chart Review of Lymphocyte Reconstitution Among MS Patients After Discontinuation of Dimethyl Fumarate (2040)

A Retrospective Chart Review of Lymphocyte Reconstitution Among MS Patients After Discontinuation of Dimethyl Fumarate (2040)

Effect of tobacco use on disease activity and DMT discontinuation in multiple sclerosis patients treated with dimethyl fumarate or fingolimod.

BackgroundTobacco exposure is a modifiable risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies evaluating the relationship between tobacco, disease activity, and disease modifying therapy (DMT) persistence yielded conflicting results. We sought to address this issue with data from clinical practice.ObjectiveTo compare 24-month disease outcomes in tobacco versus non-tobacco users treated with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) or fingolimod (FTY) in clinical practice.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 659 MS patients treated with DMF or FTY, stratified by patient-reported tobacco use. DMT discontinuation and measures of disease activity at 24 months were assessed using propensity score (PS) weighting. Outcome estimates were calculated as tobacco vs non-tobacco use.Results164 tobacco users (DMF n = 101; FTY n = 63) and 495 non-tobacco users (DMF n = 294; FTY n = 201) were identified. Tobacco (39.4%) and non-tobacco (34.4%) users were equally likely to discontinue DMT (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.79, 1.75), but tobacco users discontinued therapy earlier (HR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.06, 2.43). There were no differences in ARR (rate ratio = 1.39, 95% CI 0.97, 1.96). However, tobacco users had decreased odds of NEDA-2 (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.44, 0.83).ConclusionOur findings suggest that tobacco is a negative risk factor for inflammatory disease activity and earlier DMF and FTY discontinuation.

Tolerability and safety of dimethyl fumarate in relapsing multiple sclerosis: a prospective observational multicenter study in a real-life Spanish population

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) tolerability and safety in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been analyzed in randomized clinical trials. Real-life studies are needed to assess possible harms of this therapy in a wider MS population. To evaluate DMF tolerability, safety and persistence in MS in a real-world setting. We conducted a multicenter prospective study of patients who started DMF, attended in 16 public hospitals of Spain. A specific database was elaborated to collect data on most frequent adverse events (AE). Regression models were used to analyze the effect of demographic and clinical characteristics on risk of AEs and DMF discontinuation. We collected data of 886 patients (2681 patients/years-exposition) with median 39.5 (IQR 23, 51.5) months on DMF exposure; 25.3% were treatment naïve and 74.7% switched to DMF from other disease-modifying therapies. DMF was discontinued in 29.9% of patients, in 13.2% due to AEs and in 13.5% to inefficacy. AEs were experienced by 71.2%, being flushing the most frequent (44.1%), 5.4% developed grade III lymphopenia, without cases of grade IV. Females showed a higher risk of flushing and gastroenteric symptoms (OR 1.49, p = 0.011; OR 1.69, p = 0.001, respectively); lymphopenia was associated with older age (OR 1.04, p < 0.001), and a higher EDSS with lymphopenia (OR 1.10, p = 0.035) and DMF withdrawal (HR 1.43, p = 0.012). No safety problems were reported. Our findings confirm good tolerability and safety of DMF in real-world setting and suggest that women have an increased risk of AEs and higher baseline disability involves greater risk of drug discontinuation.

Lymphocyte reconstitution after DMF discontinuation in clinical trial and real-world patients with MS.

BackgroundDelayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has demonstrated robust efficacy in treating patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Decreases in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) are a well-known pharmacodynamic effect of DMF treatment, but lymphocyte recovery dynamics are not well characterized after discontinuation of DMF.MethodsData sources included the Biogen DMF integrated clinical trial data set, a retrospective US chart abstraction study, and data from MSBase. We assessed rate and time course of lymphocyte reconstitution after DMF discontinuation.ResultsThe majority of patients who developed lymphopenia while treated with DMF and subsequently discontinued treatment experienced ALC reconstitution. The median time to reach ALC ≥0.8 × 109/L was 2–4 months after discontinuation for patients treated in real-world data sets; the median time to reach ALC ≥0.91 × 109/L was 2 months after discontinuation in DMF clinical trials. Severity of lymphopenia on treatment and decline in ALC within the first 6 months did not affect the ALC reconstitution rate after DMF discontinuation; rather, on-treatment lymphopenia duration influenced the reconstitution rate. In patients with severe, prolonged lymphopenia for ≥3 years, lymphocyte reconstitution to ≥0.91 × 109/L was 12–18 months vs 2–3 months in patients with lymphopenia persisting <6 months.ConclusionsThe majority of patients who discontinued DMF due to lymphopenia experienced ALC reconstitution within 2–4 months following DMF discontinuation. This may help guide clinicians in managing patients who develop lymphopenia during DMF treatment. Prolonged lymphopenia on DMF treatment is associated with slow lymphocyte recovery after DMF discontinuation.

Discontinuation of teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate in a large Italian multicentre population: a 24-month real-world experience.

Teriflunomide (TRF) and Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) are licensed drugs for relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). We aimed to compare the rate and the time to discontinuation among persons with RRMS (pwRRMS), newly treated with TRF and DMF. A retrospective study on prospectively collected data was performed in nine tertiary MS centers, in Italy. The 24-month discontinuation rate in the two cohorts was the primary study outcome. We also assessed the time to discontinuation and reasons of therapy withdrawn. Discontinuation of TRF and DMF was defined as a gap of treatment ≥ 60 days. A cohort of 903 pwRRMS (316 on TRF and 587 on DMF) was analyzed. During 24 months of follow-up, pwRRMS on TRF and DMF showed similar discontinuation rates. The analysis of predictors with Cox regression model showed differences between the two groups (p for log-rank test = 0.007); male gender [HR 2.21 (1.00-4.90); p = 0.01] and the number of previous switches [HR 1.47 (1.16-1.86); p = 0.01] were associated with higher hazard of discontinuation in the DMF group. In a real-world setting, pwRRMS on TRF and DMF had similar discontinuation rates over 24 months. Male pwRRMS on DMF with a previous history of therapeutic failure are at more risk of discontinuation therapy.

72-Week Safety and Tolerability of Dimethyl Fumarate in Japanese Patients with Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Analysis of the Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III APEX Study and its Open-Label Extension

IntroductionThe long-term safety of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has been studied in mainly Caucasian patients. The present interim analysis aimed to evaluate the 72-week safety of DMF in Japanese patients with RRMS.MethodsSafety data of Japanese subjects enrolled in the 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled APEX study (Part I) and its following open-label extension (Part II) were analysed at 72 weeks from the beginning of Part I. In Part I, subjects were randomised to DMF treatment or matching placebo while all subjects received DMF treatment during Part II. Adverse events (AEs) reported throughout the study period were recorded.ResultsOverall, 109 Japanese subjects completed 72 weeks of treatment. The incidence of AEs and serious AEs was 95% and 19%, respectively, in the DMF group compared with 84% and 18%, respectively, in the placebo group at 24 weeks. Common AEs (at least 5%) reported with treatment included nasopharyngitis, flushing, hot flush, gastrointestinal events, pruritus, rash, headache, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). AEs led to discontinuation of DMF in 5% of patients and included MS relapse, flushing, abdominal pain, liver disorder and increased ALT/AST. After an initial decrease from baseline of 17% in the DMF group at week 24, the mean lymphocyte counts stabilised and were maintained until week 72. No opportunistic/serious infections nor malignancies were reported with DMF treatment. The incidences of AEs, serious AEs, and discontinuation due to AEs were similar between the DMF and the placebo groups.ConclusionThe 72-week safety profile of DMF in Japanese patients with RRMS was consistent with previous studies that enrolled mostly Caucasian patients, with a lower incidence of flushing and related symptoms and a lower reduction in the lymphocyte count compared with previous reports.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01838668.FundingBiogen Japan Ltd.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-018-0788-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparative Effectiveness and Discontinuation of Dimethyl Fumarate and Fingolimod in Two Large Academic Medical Centers at 24-Month Follow-Up: Sub-Group Analyses (P1.363)

Comparative Effectiveness and Discontinuation of Dimethyl Fumarate and Fingolimod in Two Large Academic Medical Centers at 24-Month Follow-Up: Sub-Group Analyses (P1.363)

Clinical outcomes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who switch from natalizumab to delayed-release dimethyl fumarate: A multicenter retrospective observational study (STRATEGY)

BackgroundDelayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) may be a therapeutic option for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who are treated with natalizumab and require a change in therapy. However, there is limited information regarding predictors of favorable treatment outcomes in patients switching from natalizumab to DMF. Clinical practices and sequencing protocols vary. Herein, we present the clinical results, including annualized relapse rate (ARR) and risk of relapse, of a phase 4 retrospective observational study of patients with RRMS who switched from natalizumab to DMF in a community practice setting (STRATEGY). MethodsSTRATEGY was performed through a single time point medical record abstraction; no study visits or procedures were required. Key inclusion criteria included age ≥ 18 years, RRMS diagnosis (McDonald criteria, 2010 revised), ≥ 12 months of continuous treatment with natalizumab monotherapy before DMF initiation, and initiation of DMF ≥ 12 months before enrollment. Patients were eligible to enroll regardless of current DMF use. ResultsA total of 530 patients at 45 US sites enrolled, and 506 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the modified evaluable population for analysis. Mean (SD) age at DMF initiation was 47.0 (10.9) years, with a mean (SD) of 12.7 (7.2) years since MS diagnosis. The mean (SD) duration of natalizumab treatment was 3.4 (1.9) years, and the mean (SD) washout from natalizumab discontinuation to DMF initiation (n = 502) was 101.6 (164.0) days. Overall risk of relapse 12 months after DMF initiation was 19.6%. Overall unadjusted ARR was higher during the 12 months following initiation of DMF treatment compared with the 12 months following initiation of natalizumab treatment (rate ratio, 2.32 [95% CI, 1.69–3.18]; p < 0.0001), but was lower compared with that observed in the year before initiation of natalizumab (rate ratio, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.40–0.64]; p < 0.0001). At 1 year following initiation of DMF treatment, the relapse rate was lower for patients who did not experience a relapse during 1 year following initiation of natalizumab treatment than for those who did (rate ratio for relapse rate, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.16–1.38]; p = 0.1664). The relapse rate for patients who did not relapse during natalizumab treatment was significantly lower with a washout period of ≤ 90 days as compared with a washout period of > 90 days (rate ratio for relapse rate, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.26–0.90]; p = 0.0216). A total of 42 (8%) patients reported ≥ 1 adverse event leading to DMF discontinuation during the study; the most commonly reported events were gastrointestinal disorders (n = 21; 4%). ConclusionsResults from this multicenter retrospective observational study suggest that DMF may be an effective treatment option for patients who discontinue natalizumab in routine clinical practice. ARR was lower in patients who initiated DMF within 90 days of natalizumab discontinuation compared with patients who initiated DMF after 90 days of natalizumab discontinuation. Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02159573.

Persistence with dimethyl fumarate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a population-based cohort study

PurposeTo describe patients initiating dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and measure persistence with DMF, discontinuation, and switching in treatment-naïve DMF patients and patients switching to DMF from other multiple sclerosis disease-modifying treatments (DMTs).MethodsA population-based cohort study of all Stockholm County residents initiating DMF from 9 May 2014 until 31 May 2017. All data were derived from a regional database that collects individual-level data on healthcare and drug utilization of all residents. The study outcomes were persistence with DMF and DMF discontinuation and switching to other DMTs. Persistence was measured as the number of days until either DMF discontinuation (treatment gap ≥ 60 days) or switching to another DMT.ResultsThe study included 400 patients (median follow-up = 2.5 years). The majority had previously been treated with other DMTs (61%). Throughout the follow-up period, 124 patients (31%) discontinued DMF and 114 patients (29%) switched treatment. Overall, 34% of patients initiating DMF stopped treatment within 1 year and only 43% of patients remained on DMF at 2 years from treatment initiation.ConclusionsDMF had a rapid market uptake likely due to high expectations held by both patients and clinicians. However, persistence with DMF in routine clinical practice was found to be low.

Delayed lymphocyte re-population following discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate and after switching to other disease modifying drug therapies

BackgroundDimethyl fumarate (DMF) reduces absolute lymphocyte counts, CD4, and CD8 counts, without significantly affecting total white blood cell counts. However, the recovery rate of these cells after discontinuation of DMF is unknown. The effect of subsequent disease modifying therapies (DMTs) on re-population rate is also unknown. Objectives1. To study the re-population rate of absolute lymphocytes, CD4, and CD8 counts back to baseline after discontinuation of DMF. 2. To measure the effect of subsequent DMTs on the re-population rate of these cells after DMF therapy. 3. To study the effect of the duration of exposure to DMF on repopulation of these cells. MethodsA retrospective chart review of subjects who had discontinued DMF and in whom, CBC with differential, CD4 and CD8 counts were available at baseline, discontinuation and at follow-up (n = 113). Linear mixed models were used to analyze and assess linear trends in lymphocyte counts after DMF had been discontinued. ResultsDMF causes a significant drop in absolute lymphocyte, CD4, and CD8 counts. Re-population of these cells after discontinuation of DMF is significantly delayed, irrespective of whether or not a subsequent DMT is used, although there is a difference in re-population rate among DMTs. The re-population rate is also dependent on the duration of time patients have been exposed to DMF; longer exposure was associated with more delayed recovery. ConclusionDuring this 30 month study period, re-population rates were significantly delayed post-DMF, irrespective of what subsequent DMT the patients received. Furthermore, no recovery of lymphocyte counts occurred in patients who were started on fingolimod or alemtuzumab after DMF was discontinued; in fact there was a continued decline in all of the cell populations studied.

Comparative efficacy and discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod in clinical practice at 24-month follow-up.

BackgroundDimethyl fumarate and fingolimod are oral disease-modifying therapies approved to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis. Prior observational studies and our previous 12-month investigation showed comparable clinical efficacy.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess real-world efficacy and discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod over 24 months in patients with multiple sclerosis.MethodsPatients treated with dimethyl fumarate (n = 395) or fingolimod (n = 264) completed 24-month follow-up in a large academic multiple sclerosis center. Discontinuation rates and measures of disease activity were compared after propensity score weighting. The primary outcome was on-treatment annualized relapse rate ratio. Other measures included rate of drug discontinuation and brain magnetic resonance imaging activity defined as new T2 and/or gadolinium-enhancing lesions.ResultsPropensity score weighting showed excellent covariate balance. At 24 months, dimethyl fumarate demonstrated comparable annualized relapse rate (rate ratio = 1.45, 95% confidence interval 0.53–3.99) and brain magnetic resonance imaging activity (odds ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval 0.83–2.32). Dimethyl fumarate patients discontinued therapy earlier compared to fingolimod (hazard ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.77) and were more likely to discontinue therapy due to intolerability (odds ratio = 1.98, 95% confidence interval 1.18–3.23).ConclusionDimethyl fumarate and fingolimod had similar reductions in annualized relapse rate in clinical trials, and our real-world experience supports this observation. Dimethyl fumarate-treated patients had higher likelihood of early discontinuation, and this was mostly due to intolerability.

Comparative efficacy and discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod in clinical practice at 24-month follow-up (S31.003)

Comparative efficacy and discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod in clinical practice at 24-month follow-up (S31.003)

Comparative efficacy and discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod in clinical practice at 12-month follow-up

BackgroundDimethyl fumarate (DMF) and fingolimod (FTY) are approved oral disease modifying therapies (DMT) for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Phase 3 trials established these agents as effective and generally well tolerated, though comparative efficacy and discontinuation remain unknown. ObjectiveTo assess real-world efficacy and discontinuation of DMF and FTY over 12 months in patients with MS. MethodsWe identified 458 DMF-treated and 317 FTY-treated patients in a large academic MS center. Measures of disease activity and discontinuation were compared using propensity score (PS) weighting. Covariates in the PS model included demographics and baseline clinical and MRI characteristics within 12 months of DMT initiation. The primary outcome measure was on-treatment annualized relapse rate (ARR) ratio, which was analyzed using a Poisson regression model. Other measures included time to first relapse, drug discontinuation, time to discontinuation, and new brain MRI lesions at 12 months. ResultsThe on-treatment ARR for DMF was 0.16 (95% CI (0.12, 0.18)) and 0.13 (95% CI (0.08, 0.16)) for FTY. PS weighting, which demonstrated excellent covariate balance, showed no differences between groups on ARR (rate ratio=1.56, 95% CI (0.78, 3.14)), overall brain MRI activity defined as new T2 and/or gadolinium enhancing (GdE) lesions (OR=1.38, 95% CI (0.78, 2.42)), new T2 lesions (OR=1.33, 95% CI (0.71, 2.49)), and discontinuation (OR=1.30, 95% CI (0.84, 1.99)). DMF had higher odds of GdE lesions (OR=2.19, 95% CI (1.10, 4.35)), earlier time to discontinuation (HR=1.35, 95% CI (1.05, 1.74)), and earlier relapses (HR=1.64, 95% CI (1.10, 2.46)) compared to FTY. ConclusionAssessment in our clinical practice cohort showed comparable clinical efficacy, overall brain MRI activity, and discontinuation between DMF and FTY at 12 months. DMF had increased GdE lesions and intolerability early after treatment initiation.