Merck Serono GmbH
Neurolgie

Author Of 1 Presentation

Observational Studies Poster Presentation

P0884 - MS disease modifying therapy sequencing – natalizumab to cladribine tablets – experience in 46 patients (ID 566)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0884
Presentation Topic
Observational Studies

Abstract

Background

Natalizumab proved to be very effective in patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis but harbors the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), especially in combination with specific risk factors. Accordingly, a safe and an equally effective therapeutic alternative is warranted in this patient group. A high efficacy therapy for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis are cladribine tablets, representing a short course oral therapy. It has been approved in Europe since 2017 and in the USA since April 2019.

Objectives

Safety of switching from natalizumab to cladribine tablets has been investigated in a limited number of patients and with limited observational time. We therefore analyzed this safety issue with a longer follow-up time in the subgroups of post-natalizumab patients in 2 non-interventional studies (NIS).

Methods

46 patients who switched from natalizumab to oral cladribine were reviewed. They originated from 2 cohorts analyzed separately: 23 patients each from the still ongoing NIS CLEVER (in Germany, 24 weeks follow-up as per study duration) and CLADQoL (in Germany and Austria, mean follow-up 11 months). Different study designs accounted for different timings in data collection. Patients were closely monitored, and data was collected regarding MS relapses, disease progression, or possible adverse events.

Results

The NIS CLEVER provides data from 23 patients (mean age 41.6 years; 78% female; 87% RRMS). The most frequent reason for therapy switch was increased JCV antibody titer/risk of PML or lack of efficacy. Median time on natalizumab was 26.6 months and median gap between therapies 3.2 months. 1 out of 15 evaluable patients at week 24 experienced relapses. For 7 patients at least one AE was reported and no SAE.

The NIS CLADQoL provides data from 23 patients (mean age 38.8 years; 70% female; 91% RRMS). The most frequent reason for therapy switch was increased JCV antibody titer/risk of PML. Median time on natalizumab was 40.1 months and median gap between therapies 3.4 months. 2 out of 10 evaluable patients at month 12 experienced relapses. 6 patients experienced at least one AE and 3 patients one SAE (Anterior Myocardial Infarction (among underlying risk factors), Multiple sclerosis relapse, Dyspnoea).

Conclusions

Based on data from 46 patients, switching from natalizumab to cladribine tablets continued to be safe in a larger patient population and after a longer follow-up. Especially no cases of PML were observed.

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