ECTRIMS 2021 Highlights Podcast

In this episode (17:33 minutes), Medicom’s correspondent covers 6 presentations from the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS 2021), held virtually from 13-15 October 2021 .

The topics discussed are:

1.       Rituximab most effective initial MS therapy in Swedish real-world study

In a comparative analysis of common initial MS therapies among Swedish MS patients in the COMBAT-MS study, rituximab demonstrated the lowest risk of relapses and MRI lesions. Furthermore, the lowest probability of switching therapy was observed for rituximab. Injectables demonstrated the highest probability of relapse and treatment discontinuation.

2.      Preliminary data shows positive results of ATA188 for progressive MS

Preliminary data of a phase 1 open-label-extension (OLE) trial investigating ATA188 for progressive MS showed that the drug was generally well tolerated and drove sustained disability improvement (SDI) in a significant proportion of patients. Moreover, improved magnetisation transfer ratios (MTRs) were observed in patients with sustained disease improvement, suggesting possible re-myelination in these patients.

3.      Evobrutinib reduces relapses and MRI lesion activity

Evobrutinib significantly reduced MRI activity and the number of patients with qualified relapses in MS patients regardless of baseline blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels. However, high levels of sNfL at baseline were highly predictive of increased relapse and MRI lesion activity.

4.      Satralizumab demonstrates long-term efficacy in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Sustained efficacy of satralizumab was observed for patients with aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD) in the open-label extension period of the phase 3 SAkuraSky and SAkuraStar studies, running for 3.7 years. The majority of patients remained free from relapse, severe relapse, or worsening of the disease. Moreover, the favourable safety profile of this drug, as assessed in the double-blind phase, was maintained during the OLE period.

5.      Ublituximab meets primary endpoint for relapsing MS

Ublituximab was more efficacious than teriflunomide in patients with relapsing MS, according to data from the ULTIMATE I and ULTIMATE II trials. Annualised relapse rates and MRI parameters demonstrated superiority of ublituximab over teriflunomide. Moreover, the favourable safety results showed that ublituximab has potential to become the first 1-hour anti-CD20 infusion therapy in this population.

6.      Ocrelizumab shows long-term benefits in primary progressive MS

Patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS) who were originally randomised to ocrelizumab in the phase 3 ORATORIO trial (NCT01194570) had a lower risk of disability progression than original placebo receivers after 8-years of follow-up. This was the main result of the open-label-extension period of this trial. In addition, patients who initiated on ocrelizumab had a significantly reduced rate of recurrent 48-week confirmed disability progression (CDP) events compared with delayed ocrelizumab receivers.

Enjoy listening!

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Posted on 1 November 202127 June 2024