VIDEO: Ofatumumab offers sustained efficacy in relapsing MS up to 6 years
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DENVER — Early initiation of treatment with ofatumumab showed sustained benefit to those with treatment-naïve relapsing multiple sclerosis, Gabriel Pardo, MD, said in this Healio video from the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting.
Pardo, director of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, and colleagues sought to assess the efficacy of ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Novartis), a fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody administered subcutaneously each month at 20 mg, compared with teriflunomide in the ALITHIOS open-label extension study.
From a subgroup analysis of more than 300 individuals with the condition, the researchers reported that over 6 years, those given continuous ofatumumab saw a lower annualized relapse rate and a larger reduction in ARR compared with those who switched from teriflunomide.
In addition, those in the continuous treatment cohort experienced delays in disability worsening compared to those who switched medications.
“Starting individuals on highly effective therapies, specifically ofatumumab, from the onset of disease ... will benefit more significantly starting from that approach, than doing an escalation therapy,” Pardo said.
Editor's Note: This story was updated on May 29, 2024 to clarify certain information contained within the abstract.