Characteristics of a population-based MS cohort treated with DMDs

A Canadian population study identified that almost 1 in 5 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were ≥50 years old at the time of their first disease-modifying drug (DMD). Additionally, about the same percentage has at least some comorbidity. As these individuals are typically excluded from clinical trials, the study illustrates there is a need to understand the harms and benefits of DMD use in understudied groups.

The efficacy of DMDs is typically established via short clinical trials with a follow-up of 2-3 years, in highly select and motivated groups of MS patients. In clinical practice, DMDs are used for many years in a much more diverse patient population. Relatively little is known about the use of DMDs for MS in the population-based universal healthcare setting. The current study from Canada described the characteristics of a cohort of 10,418 MS patients exposed to their first DMD in the real-world setting; 74% were women [1].

At study entry, 17% of patients had some comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥1). Mean age at first DMD was 39.6 years. Nearly 20% was aged ≥50 years when filling their first DMD and 3% was ≥60 years old. The mean age at first DMD prescription ranged from 35.9 years for alemtuzumab (n=37) to 43.6 years for teriflunomide (n=338).

Pattern of treatment changed over time, reflecting increased availability of DMDs. From 1996-2012, the most common first DMD prescriptions filled were for beta-interferon (72%) or glatiramer acetate (27%). From 2013-2018, the most common first DMD prescriptions filled were for glatiramer acetate (33%), dimethyl fumarate (27%), or beta-interferon (22%).

1. Ng HS, et al. Characteristics of a population-based MS cohort treated with disease-modifying drugs. ECF 28^th Annual Meeting. Abstract 06.

Posted on 16 December 202016 December 2020