T1 Gadolinium-enhancing Lesions Research Articles

Adult and pediatric relapsing multiple sclerosis phase II and phase III trial design and their primary end points: Asystematic review.

No systematic review of trial designs in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) was reported. This systematic review was conducted on the trial designs and primary end points (PEs) of phase II and III trials intended to modify the natural course of the disease in patients with RMS. The purpose of the study is to explore trends/topics and discussion points in clinical trial design and PE, comparing them to regulatory guidelines and expert recommendations. Three trial registration systems, ClinicalTrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Register, and the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, were used and 60 trials were evaluated. The dominant clinical trial design was a randomized controlled parallel-arms trial and other details were as follows: in adult phase III confirmatory trials (n = 32), active-controlled double-blind trial (DBT) (53%) and active-controlled open-label assessor-masking trial (16%); in adult phase II dose-finding trials (n = 9), placebo- and active-controlled DBT (44%), placebo-controlled DBT (22%), and placebo-controlled add-on DBT (22%); and in pediatric phase III confirmatory trials (n = 8), active-controlled DBT (38%) and active-controlled open-label non-masking trial (25%). The most common PEs were as follows: in adult confirmatory trials, annual relapse rate (ARR) (56%) and no evidence of disease activity-3 (NEDA-3) (13%); in adult dose-finding trials, the cumulative number of T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions (56%), combined unique active lesions (22%), and overall disability response score (22%); and in pediatric confirmatory trials, ARR (38%) and time to first relapse (25%). It was suggested that some parts of the regulatory guidelines and expert recommendations need to be revised.

Efficacy and safety results after >3.5 years of treatment with the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor evobrutinib in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Long-term follow-up of a Phase II randomised clinical trial with a cerebrospinal fluid sub-study

Background: Evobrutinib – an oral, central nervous system (CNS)-penetrant, and highly selective Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor – has shown efficacy in a 48-week, double-blind, Phase II trial in patients with relapsing MS. Objective: Report results of the Phase II open-label extension (OLE; up to week 192 from randomisation) and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sub-study. Methods: In the 48-week double-blind period (DBP), patients received evobrutinib 25 mg once-daily, 75 mg once-daily, 75 mg twice-daily or placebo (switched to evobrutinib 25 mg once-daily after week 24). Patients could then enter the OLE, receiving evobrutinib 75 mg once-daily (mean (± standard deviation (SD)) duration = 50.6 weeks (±6.0)) before switching to 75 mg twice-daily. Results: Of 164 evobrutinib-treated patients who entered the OLE, 128 (78.0%) completed ⩾192 weeks of treatment. Patients receiving DBP evobrutinib 75 mg twice-daily: annualised relapse rate at week 48 (0.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04-0.25)) was maintained with the OLE twice-daily dose up to week 192 (0.11 (0.05–0.22)); Expanded Disability Status Scale score remained stable; serum neurofilament light chain fell to levels like a non-MS population (Z-scores); T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesion numbers remained low. No new safety signals were identified. In the OLE, evobrutinib was detected in the CSF of all sub-study patients. Conclusion: Long-term evobrutinib treatment was well tolerated and associated with a sustained low level of disease activity. Evobrutinib was present in CSF at concentrations similar to plasma.

Real-life safety and effectiveness outcomes of teriflunomide in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: The TERICAM study

Introduction and objectiveTeriflunomide is an oral immunomodulatory agent approved for the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). We examined teriflunomide outcomes in patients with RRMS under clinical practice conditions in Spain. Material and methodsNon-interventional, retrospective study at 15 sites in the Autonomous Region of Madrid and nearby regions. Effectiveness (relapses, EDSS, gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions and new/enlarged T2-weighted lesions), safety (adverse events), and reasons for discontinuation during the 24 months after teriflunomide initiation were reported. ResultsA total of 776 patients were included (mean [SD] age was 43.3 (9.8) years; 69.3% were female). Two-thirds (67.7%) of patients had received a prior treatment, with beta-interferons or glatiramer acetate (BRACE) as the most frequent (93.5%) treatment. After 24 months, teriflunomide significantly reduced the annualized relapse rate (ARR) by 72% (mean [95% confidence interval] 0.12 [0.10, 0.14] vs 0.43 [0.40, 0.47] at baseline; P<.0001) and 81.8% of patients were relapse-free. The number of patients with gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions and new/enlarged lesions on T2 was also reduced after 24 months of teriflunomide treatment (P<.001). Mean EDSS (SD) score was 1.9 (1.5) at teriflunomide initiation and 2.0 (1.6) at month 24. Half of patients (n=388) reported at least 1 adverse event (AE; gastrointestinal disorders: 26.2%; hair thinning: 25%; and elevation of ALT values: 12.9%). Most patients (91.5%) did not show fatigue increase during teriflunomide treatment. Among patients who discontinued treatment (n=262; 34.2%), the most common reasons were lack of effectiveness (58.0%), AEs (31.9%; n=82), and pregnancy desire (6.6%; n=17). ConclusionsMost RRMS patients treated with teriflunomide in clinical practice had received prior treatments. Teriflunomide resulted in decreased clinical and radiological activity and disability stabilization. AE frequency and type were in line with prior reports. Most patients did not experience fatigue increases after teriflunomide initiation.

Efficacy and safety of four-year ofatumumab treatment in relapsing multiple sclerosis: The ALITHIOS open-label extension

Background: Ofatumumab has demonstrated superior efficacy and favorable safety for up to 2.5 years versus teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Objective: Further characterize efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in RMS. Methods: Efficacy set: patients randomized to ofatumumab/teriflunomide in ASCLEPIOS I/II (core). Safety set: patients who received ⩾ 1 dose of ofatumumab in ASCLEPIOS I/II, APLIOS, APOLITOS (all core), or ALITHIOS (umbrella open-label extension). Patients received continuous ofatumumab or were newly switched from teriflunomide. Data cut-off: 25 September 2021. Results: In the efficacy set (n = 1882), the continuous ofatumumab group had a low annualized relapse rate (ARR 0.05 (95% confidence interval: 0.04–0.07)), low numbers of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) T1 lesions (0.01 lesions/scan) and fewer new/enlarging T2 lesions (annualized rate 0.08). Overall, 78.8% met three-parameter “no evidence of disease activity” criteria through 4 years. Switching from teriflunomide led to reduced ARR, risk of confirmed disability worsening (CDW), new/enlarging T2 lesions, Gd+ T1 lesions, and serum neurofilament light chain. In the continuous and newly switched ofatumumab groups, cumulative 3- and 6-month CDW rates remained low. In the safety set (n = 1969), the most frequently reported adverse events were infections and infestations (58.35%). No new safety signals were identified. Conclusion: Ofatumumab has a favorable longer-term benefit–risk profile in RMS. Trial registry: ALITHIOS (NCT03650114): https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03650114

Alemtuzumab treatment in real clinical practice: Experience in a multicenter cohort.

Alemtuzumab is a highly effective treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but in recent years safety-related concerns had emerged due to description of novel serious side effects not registered in CARE-MS I and CARE-MS II phase 3 studies, nor in TOPAZ extension study. Data about alemtuzumab use in real clinical practice are limited and based mainly on retrospective studies with small sample sizes. Therefore, more information about effectiveness and safety of alemtuzumab in this context is needed. A multicenter observational prospective study to investigate effectivity and safety of alemtuzumab in a real-world setting was performed. Primary endpoints were the change in annualized relapse rate (ARR), and in disability measured by EDSS score. Secondary endpoints were the cumulative probability of confirmed 6-month disability improvement and worsening. Disability worsening and disability improvement were considered when the EDSS score was increased or decreased, respectively, in 1 point if baseline EDSS score was <5.0, or in 0.5 point if baseline EDSS score was ≥5.5, confirmed over 6 months. Other secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved NEDA-3 status (absence of clinical relapses, disability EDSS progression, and MRI disease activity as depicted by new/enlarging T2 lesions or Gadolinium enhancing T1 lesions). Adverse events also were recorded. A total of 195 RRMS patients (70% female) who started alemtuzumab treatment were included. Mean of follow-up was 2.38 years. Alemtuzumab significantly reduced the annualized relapse rate from baseline with risk reductions of 86%, 83.5%, and 84%, at 12, 24, and 36 months of follow-up respectively (Friedman test, p-value < 0.05 for all comparisons). Alemtuzumab also significantly reduced EDSS score over one and two years after starting alemtuzumab treatment (Friedman test, p-value<0.001 for both comparisons). A high proportion of patients presented confirmed 6-month stability or disability improvement (92%, 82%, and 79%, over 1, 2 and 3 years of follow-up respectively). The proportion of patients who retained NEDA-3 status at 12, 24 and 36 months were 61%, 49%, and 42%, respectively. Baseline characteristics associated with a lower probability of achieving NEDA-3 were younger age, sex female, high ARR, elevated number of previous treatments, and switch from a second line therapy. Infusion related reactions were the most frequent adverse event observed. The most common infections were urinary tract infections (50%), and upper respiratory tract infections (19%) over the 3 years of follow- up. Secondary thyroid autoimmunity was developed in 18.5% of patients. Alemtuzumab has demonstrated in real clinical practice high effectiveness in controlling multiple sclerosis activity, and no unexpected adverse events were observed.

Disease Outcomes With Ublituximab in Participants With Highly Active Disease: Subpopulation Analyses of the Phase 3 ULTIMATE I and II Studies in Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (P6-3.002)

Disease Outcomes With Ublituximab in Participants With Highly Active Disease: Subpopulation Analyses of the Phase 3 ULTIMATE I and II Studies in Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (P6-3.002)

Ublituximab Efficacy in Treatment-Naive Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis in the Phase 3 ULTIMATE I and II Studies (P6-3.015)

Ublituximab Efficacy in Treatment-Naive Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis in the Phase 3 ULTIMATE I and II Studies (P6-3.015)

Comparative efficacy and safety of ozanimod and ponesimod for relapsing multiple sclerosis: A matching-adjusted indirect comparison.

Ozanimod and ponesimod are sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Given that no head-to-head trials have assessed these two treatments, we performed a matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) to compare efficacy and safety outcomes between ozanimod and ponesimod for MS. A MAIC compared efficacy and safety of ozanimod and ponesimod at 2 years. Outcomes included annualized relapse rate (ARR) and percentage change from baseline in brain volume loss (BVL) as well as rates of any treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious adverse events (AEs), AEs leading to discontinuation, and other safety outcomes. Individual patient-level data were obtained for ozanimod from the RADIANCE-B trial, while aggregate-level patient data were obtained for ponesimod from the OPTIMUM trial. The MAIC was not anchored owing to lack of a common comparator across the two trials. The following characteristics were matched between the trials' populations: age, sex, time since MS symptom onset, relapses in prior year, Expanded Disability Status Scale score, disease-modifying therapies received in the prior 2 years, absence of gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions, and percentage of patients from Eastern Europe. After matching, key baseline characteristics were balanced between patients receiving ozanimod and ponesimod. Compared with ponesimod, ozanimod had a numerically lower ARR (rate ratio: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.57, 1.10]) and was associated with a significant reduction in BVL (% change difference: 0.20 [95% CI: 0.05, 0.36]). Additionally, ozanimod was associated with a significantly lower risk of TEAEs (risk difference: -11.9% [95% CI: -16.8%, -7.0%]), AEs leading to discontinuation (-6.1% [95% CI: -8.9%, -3.4%]), and lymphocyte count <0.2K/μL (-2.3% [95% CI: -4.2%, -0.5%]). There were no statistically significant differences in the other safety outcomes. The MAIC results suggest that, compared with ponesimod, ozanimod is more effective in preserving brain volume, is comparable in terms of reducing relapse rates, and has a favorable safety profile.

Radiological Disease Activity in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: MRI activity is less frequent among secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients. In the current study, we aimed to identify SPMS patients with higher radiological disease activity (RDA) and determine their clinical characteristics. Methods: We evaluated the occurrence of RDA in SPMS patients followed at the Sheba Multiple Sclerosis Center between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020. All patients underwent brain and spinal cord MRI examinations as a routine follow-up unrelated to clinical disease activity. Patients were subdivided into RDA and non-RDA MRI groups based on the presence of active gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions and/or new/enlarging T2 lesions. Demographic variables and disease-related data were compared. Results: One hundred consecutive SPMS patients, 74 females, median age of 50 years, disease duration of 19.5 years, and neurological disability by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 6.0, were included in the study. The RDA group comprised 35 patients (35%), of them 65.7% (n = 23) exhibited only brain MRI activity, 22.8% (n = 8) only spinal cord MRI activity, and 11.4% (n = 4) had both. Patients in the RDA group were diagnosed at a younger mean (SD) age of 28.2 (8.9) versus 33.7 (10.1) years and were younger with a mean (SD) age of 47.8 (9.9) versus 53.4 (10.1) years, as compared with the non-RDA group. No significant differences were found in relation to disease duration, EDSS, exposure to immunomodulatory treatments, and duration of immunomodulatory treatments. Conclusions: RDA unrelated to clinical symptomatology was more frequent in a subgroup of young SPMS patients.

Efficacy and safety of divozilimab during 24-week treatment of multiple sclerosis patients in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial BCD-132-2

To find the optimal therapeutic dose of the anti-B cell mAb divozilimab (DIV) based on the efficacy and safety data of intravenous administration at a dose of 125 mg or 500 mg in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) compared to placebo (PBO) and teriflunomide (TRF). To study the efficacy and safety of DIV within 24 weeks of treatment. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind and double-masked, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial (CT) BCD-132-2 involved 271 adult patients with RRMS from 25 centres In Russia. Patients were randomly assigned (2:2:2:1) into 4 groups: TRF, DIV 125 mg, DIV 500 mg and PBO. After screening patients entered to the main period, which consisted of one cycle of therapy for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the total number of gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions (Gd+) observed on brain MRI scans after 24 weeks (per scan - involves estimating the mean value of the score from all the MRI assessments performed for each participant in the study). 263 patients completed 24 weeks of treatment. Most of the patients in the DIV groups had no lesions on T1-weighted MRI after 24 weeks of treatment (94.44% on 125 mg and 93.06% on 500 mg). In the TRF and PBO groups the values were significantly lower: 68.06% and 56.36% respectively (both p<0.05). The proportions of relapse-free patients in the DIV groups were 93.06% and 97.22% (125 mg and 500 mg, respectively). As expected, DIV reduced the CD19+ B-cells. However, the repopulation rate of CD19+ B-cells in the 125 mg group was more pronounced (mainly due to the recovering pool of CD27-naive B-cells) compared to the 500 mg group. DIV showed a favorable safety profile at both doses. Thus, the assessment of 24 weeks treatment demonstrated that DIV is a highly effective, safe and convenient option for the treatment of RRMS patients, both naive and previously treated with disease modifying therapy. A dose of 500 mg is recommended for further efficacy and safety evaluation during phase 3 CT.

Serum Neurofilament Light Trajectories and Their Relation to Subclinical Radiological Disease Activity in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Patients in the APLIOS Trial.

Several studies have described prognostic value of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) at the group level in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) patients. Here, we aimed to explore the temporal association between sNfL and development of subclinical disease activity as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the group level and evaluate the potential of sNfL as a biomarker for capturing subclinical disease activity in individual RMS patients. In the 12-week APLIOS study, patients (N = 284) received subcutaneous ofatumumab 20mg. Frequent sNfL sampling (14 time points over 12weeks) and monthly MRI scans enabled key analyses including assessment of the group-level temporal relationship of sNfL levels with on-study subclinical development of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd +)T1 lesions. Prognostic value of baseline sNfL ("high" vs. "low") level for subsequent on-study clinical relapse or Gd + T1 activity was assessed. Individual patient-level development of on-study Gd + T1 lesions was compared across three predictors: baseline Gd + T1 lesion number, baseline sNfL ("high" vs. "low"), and time-matched sNfL. In patients developing Gd + T1 lesions at week 4 (absent at baseline), sNfL levels increased during the month preceding the week-4 MRI scan and then gradually decreased back to baseline. High versus low baseline sNfL conferred increased risk of subsequent on-study clinical relapse or Gd + T1 activity (HR, 2.81; p < 0.0001) in the overall population and, notably, also in the patients without baseline Gd + T1 lesions (HR, 2.48; p = 0.0213). Individual patient trajectories revealed a marked difference in Gd + T1 lesions between patients with the ten highest vs. lowest baseline sNfL levels (119 vs. 19 lesions). Prognostic value of baseline or time-matched sNfL for on-study Gd + T1 lesions was comparable to that of the number of baseline MRI Gd + T1 lesions. sNfL measurement may have utility in capturing and monitoring subclinical disease activity in RMS patients. sNfL assessments could complement regular MRI scans and may provide an alternative when MRI assessment is not feasible. GOV: NCT03560739. This study provides class I evidence that serum neurofilament light may be used as a biomarker for monitoring subclinical disease activity in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients, as shown by its elevation in the weeks preceding the development of new gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesion activity.

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-Related Inflammation: A Single-Center Experience and a Literature Review.

Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of clinical, neuroimaging, and genetic markers among patients diagnosed with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri). We sought to determine these characteristics in patients diagnosed in our center and to summarize available literature published either as single-case reports or small case series (&lt;5 patients). We reported our single-center experience of patients diagnosed with CAA-ri according to international criteria during a seven-year period (2015-2022), and we abstracted data from 90 previously published cases. Seven patients (43% women, mean age 70 ± 13 years) were diagnosed with CAA-ri in our center. The most common symptom at presentation was focal neurological dysfunction (71%), and the most prevalent radiological finding was the presence of T2/FLAIR white matter hyperintensities (100%). All patients were treated with corticosteroids and had a favorable functional outcome. Among 90 previously published CAA-ri cases (51% women, mean age 70 ± 9 years), focal neurological dysfunction was the most common symptom (76%), followed by a cognitive decline (46%) and headache (34%). The most prevalent neuroimaging findings were cerebral microbleeds (85%), asymmetric T2/FLAIR white matter hyperintensities (81%), and gadolinium-enhancing T1-lesions (37%). Genetic testing for the Apolipoprotein-E gene was available in 27 cases; 59% carried the APOE ε4/ε4 genotype. The majority of the published CAA-ri cases (78%) received corticosteroid monotherapy, while 17 patients (19%) were treated with additional immunosuppressive treatment. Favorable functional outcome following treatment was documented in 70% of patients. Improving the vigilance of clinicians regarding the early recognition and accurate diagnosis of CAA-ri is crucial for swift therapy initiation, which may result in improved functional outcomes.

What Do We Know So Far about Ofatumumab for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis? A Meta-Analytical Study.

Ofatumumab is a monoclonal antibody that reduces the level of B cells that alter the progression of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2020, this meta-analysis determines the outcomes of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for endline outcomes of Gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions on MRI scans reported as Cohen's d and relapse rate reported as risk ratio. All four RCTs reported favorable findings of gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions (Cohen's d = -0.44, p &lt; 0.00001). The relapse rate was reduced by 46% post ofatumumab administration (RR = 0.54, p &lt; 0.00001). With 14 ongoing trials in this area, more data is required to consolidate our findings.

Phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Neuroaspis plp10 as an adjuvant treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis: the MINERAL Study

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of Neuroaspis plp10 nutritional supplement when added to interferon (IFN)-β treatment in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).DesignA 30-month phase III multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial....

Simulated treatment comparison of efficacy outcomes for ofatumumab in ASCLEPIOS I/II versus ocrelizumab in OPERA I/II for the treatment of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis

BackgroundOfatumumab is a subcutaneously administered anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) therapy that has been evaluated in two identically designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), ASCLEPIOS I (NCT02792218) and ASCLEPIOS II (NCT02792231), in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Ocrelizumab is another anti-CD20 MoAb therapy, administered intravenously, that has been evaluated in two identically designed RCTs, OPERA I (NCT01247324) and OPERA II (NCT01412333) in RMS. Given the absence of published RCTs with head-to-head comparisons between these MoAbs, this study assessed the indirect comparative efficacy of ofatumumab and ocrelizumab. MethodsGiven the availability of individual patient data for ASCLEPIOS I/II and summary-level data for OPERA I/II, simulated treatment comparisons were used to assess the comparative efficacy of ofatumumab versus ocrelizumab while adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics between trials. Comparative efficacy was estimated for the proportion of patients with 3- and 6-month confirmed disability progression (CDP) and for annualized relapse rate (ARR). Exploratory analyses were conducted for the outcome of no evidence of disease activity based on three parameters (NEDA-3) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes (proportion of patients with gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions and brain volume change). ResultsAlthough comparative results were not significant for 3-month CDP (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.90 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57−1.42]) or 6-month CDP (HR: 0.84 [95% CI: 0.47−1.49]), ofatumumab showed a significant improvement in ARR (rate ratio: 0.60 [95% CI: 0.43−0.84]) compared with ocrelizumab. Significantly favorable results were also associated with ofatumumab for NEDA-3 and MRI outcomes. ConclusionOfatumumab was associated with more favorable efficacy results compared with ocrelizumab for clinical, NEDA-3, and MRI outcomes.

Early Reduction of MRI Activity During 6 Months of Treatment With Cladribine Tablets for Highly Active Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: MAGNIFY-MS.

Background and ObjectivesThe onset of action for high-efficacy immunotherapies in multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important parameter. This study (MAGNIFY-MS) evaluates the onset of action of cladribine tablets by observing changes in combined unique active (CUA) MRI lesion counts during the first 6 months of treatment in patients with highly active relapsing MS.MethodsMRI was performed at screening, baseline, and at months 1, 2, 3, and 6 after initiating treatment with cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg. CUA lesion counts, defined as the sum of T1 gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions and new or enlarging active T2 lesions (without T1 Gd+), were compared between postbaseline and the baseline period and standardized to the period length and the number of MRIs performed.ResultsIncluded in this analysis were 270 patients who received ≥1 dose of cladribine tablets. After treatment initiation, significant reductions in mean CUA lesion counts were observed from month 1 onward compared with the baseline period (−1.193 between month 1 and month 6, −1.500 between month 2 and month 6, and −1.692 between month 3 and month 6; all p < 0.0001). Mean T1 Gd+ lesion counts were decreased from month 2 onward compared with baseline (−0.857 at month 2, −1.355 at month 3, and −1.449 at month 6; all p < 0.0001), whereas the proportion of patients without any CUA lesions increased from 52.0% between month 1 and month 6 to 80.5% between month 3 and month 6.DiscussionFindings suggest an early onset of action for cladribine tablets, with an increasing reduction in active MRI lesions over time.Trial Registration InformationNCT03364036; Date registered: December 06, 2017.Classification of EvidenceUsing frequent MRI assessments of the brain over the first 6 months of the MAGNIFY-MS study (NCT03364036), we aimed to determine the onset of action of cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg in adult patients with highly active relapsing MS. This study provides Class IV evidence that, in such patients, treatment with cladribine tablets is associated with an early onset of action with reductions in active MRI lesion counts from month 2 (day 60) onward, with an increasing reduction in such lesions over time.

Ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis.

Ocrelizumab is a humanised anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody developed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2017 for using in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Ocrelizumab is the only disease-modifying therapy (DMT) approved for PPMS. In November 2017, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also approved ocrelizumab as the first drug for people with early PPMS. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the benefits, harms, and tolerability of ocrelizumab in people with MS. To assess the benefits, harms, and tolerability of ocrelizumab in people with RRMS and PPMS. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and two trials registers on 8 October 2021. We screened reference lists, contacted experts, and contacted the main authors of studies. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults diagnosed with RRMS or PPMS according to the McDonald criteria, comparing ocrelizumab alone or associated with other medications, at the approved dose of 600 mg every 24 weeks for any duration, versus placebo or any other active drug therapy. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Four RCTs met our selection criteria. The overall population included 2551 participants; 1370 treated with ocrelizumab 600 mg and 1181 controls. Among the controls, 298 participants received placebo and 883 received interferon beta-1a. The treatment duration was 24 weeks in one study, 96 weeks in two studies, and at least 120 weeks in one study. One study was at high risk of allocation concealment and blinding of participants and personnel; all four studies were at high risk of bias for incomplete outcome data. For RRMS, compared with interferon beta-1a, ocrelizumab was associated with: 1. lower relapse rate (risk ratio (RR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 0.73; 2 studies, 1656 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); 2. a lower number of participants with disability progression (hazard ratio (HR) 0.60, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.84; 2 studies, 1656 participants; low-certainty evidence); 3. little to no difference in the number of participants with any adverse event (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.04; 2 studies, 1651 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); 4. little to no difference in the number of participants with any serious adverse event (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.11; 2 studies, 1651 participants; low-certainty evidence); 5. a lower number of participants experiencing treatment discontinuation caused by adverse events (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.91; 2 studies, 1651 participants; low-certainty evidence); 6. a lower number of participants with gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.35; 2 studies, 1656 participants; low-certainty evidence); 7. a lower number of participants with new or enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions on MRI (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.69; 2 studies, 1656 participants; low-certainty evidence) at 96 weeks. For PPMS, compared with placebo, ocrelizumab was associated with: 1. a lower number of participants with disability progression (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.98; 1 study, 731 participants; low-certainty evidence); 2. a higher number of participants with any adverse events (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11; 1 study, 725 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); 3. little to no difference in the number of participants with any serious adverse event (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.23; 1 study, 725 participants; low-certainty evidence); 4. little to no difference in the number of participants experiencing treatment discontinuation caused by adverse events (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.75; 1 study, 725 participants; low-certainty evidence) for at least 120 weeks. There were no data for number of participants with gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions on MRI and number of participants with new or enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions on MRI. For people with RRMS, ocrelizumab probably results in a large reduction in relapse rate and little to no difference in adverse events when compared with interferon beta-1a at 96 weeks (moderate-certainty evidence). Ocrelizumab may result in a large reduction in disability progression, treatment discontinuation caused by adverse events, number of participants with gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions on MRI, and number of participants with new or enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions on MRI, and may result in little to no difference in serious adverse events (low-certainty evidence). For people with PPMS, ocrelizumab probably results in a higher rate of adverse events when compared with placebo for at least 120 weeks (moderate-certainty evidence). Ocrelizumab may result in a reduction in disability progression and little to no difference in serious adverse events and treatment discontinuation caused by adverse events (low-certainty evidence). Ocrelizumab was well tolerated clinically; the most common adverse events were infusion-related reactions and nasopharyngitis, and urinary tract and upper respiratory tract infections.

Effect of ofatumumab versus placebo in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients from Japan and Russia: Phase 2 APOLITOS study

Background: Ofatumumab, the first fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been developed as a treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) which can be self-administered at home. Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in RMS patients from Japan and Russia. Methods: APOLITOS included a 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled core-part followed by an open-label extension-part. Patients were randomized (2:1) to subcutaneous ofatumumab 20 mg or placebo. Primary outcome was the number of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) T1 lesions per scan over 24 weeks. Results: Sixty-four patients were randomized (ofatumumab, n = 43; placebo, n = 21). Primary endpoint was met; ofatumumab reduced Gd + T1 lesions versus placebo by 93.6% (p < 0.001) and the results were consistent across regions (Japan/Russia). Ofatumumab reduced annualized T2 lesion and relapse rate versus placebo by week 24. Both groups showed benefit from ofatumumab in the extension-part. Incidence of adverse events was lower with ofatumumab versus placebo (69.8% vs 81.0%); injection-related reactions were most common. No deaths, opportunistic infections, or malignancies were reported. Conclusion: Ofatumumab demonstrated superior efficacy versus placebo, with sustained effect through 48 weeks in RMS patients from Japan/Russia. Switching to ofatumumab after 24 weeks led to rapid radiological and clinical benefits. Safety findings were consistent with pivotal trials.

Efficacy and safety of temelimab in multiple sclerosis: Results of a randomized phase 2b and extension study

Background: The envelope protein of human endogenous retrovirus W (HERV-W-Env) is expressed by macrophages and microglia, mediating axonal damage in chronic active MS lesions. Objective and Methods: This phase 2, double-blind, 48-week trial in relapsing-remitting MS with 48-week extension phase assessed the efficacy and safety of temelimab; a monoclonal antibody neutralizing HERV-W-Env. The primary endpoint was the reduction of cumulative gadolinium-enhancing T1-lesions in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at week 24. Additional endpoints included numbers of T2 and T1-hypointense lesions, magnetization transfer ratio, and brain atrophy. In total, 270 participants were randomized to receive monthly intravenous temelimab (6, 12, or 18 mg/kg) or placebo for 24 weeks; at week 24 placebo-treated participants were re-randomized to treatment groups. Results: The primary endpoint was not met. At week 48, participants treated with 18 mg/kg temelimab had fewer new T1-hypointense lesions (p = 0.014) and showed consistent, however statistically non-significant, reductions in brain atrophy and magnetization transfer ratio decrease, as compared with the placebo/comparator group. These latter two trends were sustained over 96 weeks. No safety issues emerged. Conclusion: Temelimab failed to show an effect on features of acute inflammation but demonstrated preliminary radiological signs of possible anti-neurodegenerative effects. Current data support the development of temelimab for progressive MS. Trial registration: CHANGE-MS: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02782858, EudraCT: 2015-004059-29; ANGEL-MS: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03239860, EudraCT: 2016-004935-18

Real-world experience of ocrelizumab in multiple sclerosis patients in Latin America.

Despite the abundance of information concerning ocrelizumab in phase III clinical trials, there is scarce evidence regarding real-world patient profiles. The aim of this study was to investigate patient profiles, effectiveness and persistence with treatment among patients who used ocrelizumab for treatment of multiple sclerosis in Latin America. This was a retrospective multicenter study in Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Medical record databases on patients who received ocrelizumab were analyzed. Demographic and clinical variables were described, along with effectiveness outcomes, which included the proportions of patients free from clinical relapses, from disability progression and from new or enlarging T2 or T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions, on annual magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 81 patients were included. The most frequent phenotype was relapsing-remitting MS, in 64.2% of the patients. The mean age at study entry was 41.3 ± 12.0 years and 51.8% were women. A total of 38% had had relapse activity during the 12 months before starting on ocrelizumab, with a mean relapse rate of 1.3 ± 0.6 during that period. 75% were free from clinical relapses and 91% were free from gadolinium-enhancing lesions in the relapsing-remitting course. Ocrelizumab discontinuation during the first 12 months was observed in three patients (3.7%). The mean persistence observed during the first-year follow-up was 338 ± 24 days. Our study is in line with previous randomized clinical trials and recent real-world studies describing patient profiles, effectiveness and persistence regarding ocrelizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis patients in Latin America.