Teriflunomide is an FDA approved medication for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The efficacy of teriflunomide in progressive multiple sclerosis is not well characterized.
To explore the safety and efficacy profile of teriflunomide in patients diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis.
We conducted a single-center retrospective observational analysis of a progressive multiple sclerosis population, assessing safety and efficacy in patients treated at least one year with teriflunomide or glatiramer acetate. Sustained progression of expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and sustained worsening of timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) were compared using a cox proportional hazards model.
Teriflunomide group (n=29) mean characteristics: age=58 years (SD±7.6), disease duration=16.7 years (SD±9.5), EDSS =5.9 (SD±1.3), follow-up=32.4 months (SD±13.6). Glatiramer acetate group (n=30) mean characteristics: age=52.4 years (SD±11.3), disease duration=15.1 years (SD±10.4), EDSS =5.7 (SD±1.6), follow-up=46.9 months (SD±43.9). Both treatments were well tolerated without serious side effects. After adjustment for age, sex, and baseline EDSS, sustained EDSS progression did not differ between groups (Hazard Ratio =1.17; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.45, 3.08; p=0.75). Sustained T25FW worsening after adjustment also did not differ (Hazard Ratio =0.56; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.2, 1.53; p=0.26).
In an advanced progressive multiple sclerosis population no substantial differences in tolerability, safety, sustained EDSS progression, or sustained T25FW worsening over time were observed between glatiramer acetate and teriflunomide treated groups.