ECTRIMS 2025 Highlights Podcast

In this episode [13.50], Medicom’s correspondent covers 6 presentations from the annual meeting of the European Committee For Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS 2025),  held in Barcelona, Spain, from 24-26 September.  

The topics discussed are:  

1. Novel anti-CD20 antibody shows efficacy in AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD 

[00.34] In a phase 3 trial, the novel glycoengineered type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody MIL62 significantly reduced the risk of relapse and disability progression in aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), with a favourable safety profile. 

      2. Applying the new McDonald criteria increases the rate of MS diagnosis 

[02.41] The 2024  revision of the McDonald criteria for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) enables earlier and more frequent diagnosis compared with the 2017 criteria. A retrospective observational study demonstrated that the revised criteria allow the diagnosis of 43% more patients with MS at baseline. 

      3. Ocrelizumab delays disability progression in older patients with PPMS 

[04.52] The ORATORIO-HAND study confirmed the significant efficacy of ocrelizumab in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), including in older patients with more advanced disease. Ocrelizumab was superior to placebo in delaying overall disability progression, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and in preventing worsening of upper limb function, as measured by the 9HPT. 

      4. Small remyelinating effect of metformin plus clemastine 

[07.16] In the Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair (CCMR)-Two trial, a small but significant remyelinating effect was observed in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and chronic stable optic neuropathy. The combination of metformin and clemastine was well tolerated, with no safety concerns. However, 6 months of treatment did not improve impaired visual function. 

       5. Live attenuated MMR and varicella vaccines do not increase relapse risk 

[09.11] Do measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines trigger inflammatory activity in immunocompetent multiple sclerosis (MS) patients? Results of a retrospective analysis suggest this is not the case. The authors conclude that these vaccines, including those for malaria, can be safely used. 

      6. Halving the yearly rituximab dose maintains efficacy in RRMS 

[11.08] In a Swedish multicentre study, rituximab 500 mg given once yearly was non-inferior to 500 mg every 6 months as maintenance therapy for eliminating inflammatory activity in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Over the course of 3 years, no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) was maintained in approximately 87% of patients in both arms. 

Enjoy listening! 

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Posted on 15 October 202515 October 2025