Comparative analysis of first-year fingolimod and natalizumab drug discontinuation among Swedish patients with multiple sclerosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Frisell ◽  
L Forsberg ◽  
N Nordin ◽  
C Kiesel ◽  
L Alfredsson ◽  
...  

Background: Natalizumab (NTZ) and fingolimod (FGL) are mainly used second line in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), although pivotal trials included mainly treatment-naïve patients. Objective: This study aims to provide real-world data on safety and discontinuation rates. Methods: Using IMSE, a drug monitoring registry for all newer MS drugs in Sweden, we analysed differences in baseline characteristics and 1-year drug survival for patients registered 2011–2013, initiating treatment with NTZ ( n=640) or FGL ( n=876). Among FGL initiators, n=383 (44%) had previously used NTZ (FGLafterNTZ). Results: Compared with NTZ, the FGL cohort was older and more often male (36/38 years, 24%/33% males). Baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale was similar across groups, but MS Severity Score was higher in NTZ patients, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test and MS Impact Scale (MSIS-29) was higher in FGLafterNTZ versus FGLNTZ-naïve patients. Proportion on drug after 1 year was high, NTZ=87%, FGLNTZ-naïve=83% and FGLafterNTZ=76%. Adverse events was the most frequent reason for discontinuing FGL (FGLNTZ-naïve=9%, FGLafterNTZ=12%), and was significantly higher than on NTZ (3%). In contrast, the proportion of patients stopping treatment due to lack of effect was more similar: NTZ=4%, FGLNTZ-naïve=3%, FGLafterNTZ=8%. Conclusion: FGL and NTZ were both well tolerated, but FGL less so than NTZ, especially in patients switching to FGL from NTZ. Group differences were not explained by differences in recorded baseline characteristics.

Author(s):  
Johannes Lorscheider ◽  
Pascal Benkert ◽  
Carmen Lienert ◽  
Peter Hänni ◽  
Tobias Derfuss ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod are oral disease modifying treatments (DMTs) that reduce relapse activity and slow disability worsening in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Objective To compare the effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod in a real-world setting, where both agents are licensed as a first-line DMT for the treatment of RRMS. Methods We identified patients with RRMS commencing dimethyl fumarate or fingolimod in the Swiss Federation for Common Tasks of Health Insurances (SVK) Registry between August 2014 and July 2019. Propensity score-matching was applied to select subpopulations with comparable baseline characteristics. Relapses and disability outcomes were compared in paired, pairwise-censored analyses. Results Of the 2113 included patients, 1922 were matched (dimethyl fumarate, n = 961; fingolimod, n = 961). Relapse rates did not differ between the groups (incident rate ratio 1.0, 95%CI 0.8–1.2, p = 0.86). Moreover, no difference in the hazard of 1-year confirmed disability worsening (hazard ratio [HR] 0.9; 95%CI 0.6–1.6; p = 0.80) or disability improvement (HR 0.9; 95%CI 0.6–1.2; p = 0.40) was detected. These findings were consistent both for treatment-naïve patients and patients switching from another DMT. Conclusion Dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod have comparable effectiveness regarding reduction of relapses and disability worsening in RRMS.


2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 451-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Trojano ◽  
Maria Liguori ◽  
Damiano Paolicelli ◽  
Giovanni Bosco Zimatore ◽  
Francesca De Robertis ◽  
...  

This independent, population-based surveillance study monitored the efficacy and safety of interferon beta (IFNb) products in 1033 patients with relapsing -remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) from 15 centres in Italy. Relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and adverse events were evaluated for up to 24 months. Data of patients with a baseline EDSS score 5-3.5 are reported. The proportions of relapse-free patients were similar among the groups at 12 and 24 months (P =0.10). IFNb products produced significant reductio ns from baseline in relapse rates at 12 and 24 months (P B-0.001), with no differences among treatments (P =0.2). There were no significant differences in mean EDSS change among groups at 12 or 24 months. The IFNb-1b group showed a higher incidence of adverse events during the first year of treatment (P B-0.05) than IFNb-1a groups, and more withdrawals (10%) compared with Avonex (5%) at 24 months. IFNb products are equally effective in low disability RRMS, but IFNb-1a may have a more favorable efficacy/tolerability ratio.


Neurology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 525-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Button ◽  
Omar Al-Louzi ◽  
Andrew Lang ◽  
Pavan Bhargava ◽  
Scott D. Newsome ◽  
...  

Objective:To retrospectively investigate whether disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) exert differential effects on rates of retinal atrophy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), as assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT).Methods:A total of 402 patients with RRMS followed at the Johns Hopkins MS Center who underwent Cirrus-HD OCT were assessed for eligibility. Inclusion criteria included at least 1 year of OCT follow-up and adherence to a single DMT during the period of follow-up. Combined thickness of the ganglion cell + inner plexiform (GCIP) and other retinal layers was computed utilizing automated macular segmentation. Retinal thickness changes were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression.Results:The effects of glatiramer acetate (GA; n = 48), natalizumab (NAT; n = 46), and interferon-β-1a subcutaneously (IFNSC; n = 35) and intramuscularly (IFNIM; n = 28) were assessed. Baseline analyses revealed no significant differences between groups in terms of age, sex, optic neuritis history, or follow-up duration. During follow-up, relative to NAT-treated patients, IFNSC- and GA-treated patients exhibited 0.37 μm/y (p < 0.001) and 0.14 μm/y (p = 0.035) faster rates of GCIP thinning, respectively, adjusting for the interval between initiation of DMT and OCT monitoring (gap time), age, sex, relapses, and disease duration. In the IFNSC group, GCIP thinning was 1.53 μm/y faster during the first year of therapy vs during the time interval afterwards (p < 0.001).Conclusions:Rates of GCIP atrophy in patients with RRMS vary according to DMT utilization. Our findings support OCT for monitoring neurodegenerative treatment effects in the retina, an easily accessible tissue, and as a practical outcome measure in RRMS clinical trials.


2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 462-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo Romani ◽  
Roberto Bergamaschi ◽  
Elisa Candeloro ◽  
Enrico Alfonsi ◽  
Roberto Callieco ◽  
...  

Sixty relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were selected on the basis of their score on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and formed two groups: 40 patients (fatigued MS; MSf) scored above the 75th percentile of a previously assessed representative MS sample (100 patients), and 20 age- and sex-matched patients (nonfatigued MS patients; MSnf) scored below the 25th percentile. The patients underwent clinical evaluation (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)), further assessment of fatigue (Fatigue Impact Scale), scales evaluating depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI)) and neuropsychological tests. All patients were evaluated for muscle fatigability and central activation by means of a biomechanical test of sustained contraction; they also underwent somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The patients of the MSf subgroup were then randomized to one of the following two treatments: 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) 24 mg/day and fluoxetine (FLX) 20 mg/day. After a one-week titration this treatment proceeded for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment, EDSS, fatigue and depression scores were further evaluated. At baseline, fatigue test scores consistently correlated with depression and cognitive test scores, but not with the fatigability test. Fatigue scores decreased in both treatment groups in a similar way. Due to the design of the study, this cannot be disjoined from a placebo effect. The changes of fatigue scores could not be predicted in the FLX group, whereas in the 4-AP group higher basal fatigability test scores were associated with greater reduction in fatigue scores.


2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 646-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Khan ◽  
Yimin Shen ◽  
Christina Caon ◽  
F en Bao ◽  
Wendy Ching ◽  
...  

Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a disease-modifying therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) with several putative mechanisms of action. Currently, there is paucity ofin vivo human data linking the well-established peripheral immunologic effects of therapy with GA to its potential effects inside the central nervous system (CNS). Brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows in vivo examination of axonal integrity by quantifying the resonance intensity of the neuronal marker N-acetylaspartate (NAA). In a pilot study to investigate the effect of GA on axonal injury, we performed combined brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRS studies in 18 treatment naïve RRMS patients initiating therapy with GA at baseline and annually for two years on therapy. A small group of four treatment naïve RRMS patients, electing to remain untreated, served as controls. NAA/Cr was measured in a large central brain volume of interest (VOI) as well as the normal appearing white matter (NAWM) within the VOI. After two years, NAA/Cr in the GA-treated group increased significantly by 10.7% in the VOI (2.179±0.26 versus 1.969±0.24, P=0.03) and by 7.1% in the NAWM (2.239±0.26 versus 2.089±0.31, P=0.04). In the untreated group, NAA/Cr decreased by 8.9% at two years in the VOI (2.019±0.16 versus 1.839±0.21, P=0.03) and 8.2% in the NAWM (2.079±0.24 versus 1.909±0.29, P=0.03). Our data shows that treatment with GA leads to axonal metabolic recovery and protection from sub-lethal axonal injury. These results support an in situ effect of GA therapy inside the CNS and suggest potential neuroprotective effects of GA.


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