Pathogenesis
Is Epstein-Barr virus infection not a prerequisite for MS?
Presented by
Dr Dalia Rotstein, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
Using population-based laboratory and health claims data from Ontario, Canada (2007–2022), investigators identified cases suggesting that MS onset may precede documented primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
Pathogenesis
Critical disparities in the diagnostic timeline of MS quantified
Presented by
Dr Arjun Gurjar, University of California, CA, USA
In a large retrospective real-world analysis, process mining and deep learning techniques were applied to characterise patient trajectories associated with delayed MS diagnosis.
Remyelination
No remyelinating effects of bazedoxifene in postmenopausal MS patients
Presented by
Dr Riley Bove, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
In the placebo-controlled phase 2 ReWRap trial, bazedoxifene failed to demonstrate remyelinating effects in postmenopausal women with relapsing MS (RMS).
New Therapies and Applications
Novel monoclonal antibody obexelimab demonstrates efficacy in phase 2 trial
Presented by
Prof. Amit Bar-Or, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
Week 12 results from the phase 2 MoonStone trial provide the first clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of obexelimab, a novel humanised bifunctional monoclonal antibody, in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). No new safety concerns arose from the study results.
New Therapies and Applications
GLP-1RAs are safe for MS patients but do not alter disease course
Presented by
Dr Rachel Rodin, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
In a small retrospective analysis, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) appeared to be safe for weight management in patients with MS, but no evidence was found for improvement in MS-related disability or biomarkers of disease activity and progression.
NMOSD
Daratumumab is a promising novel treatment for NMOSD
Presented by
Prof. Michael Levy, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
Daratumumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the CD38 glicoprotein, reduced the risk of relapse in patients with aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in the phase 3 DAWN-trial.
Follow-up Data and Subgroup Analysis
NEDA sustained for up to 10 years with ocrelizumab in treatment-naïve RMS
Presented by
Dr Scott D. Newsome, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
In approximately 9 of 10 treatment-naïve (TN) patients with relapsing MS (RMS) treated with ocrelizumab, either intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC), no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) was maintained in any given year.
Follow-up Data and Subgroup Analysis
New findings support ofatumumab as first-line therapy in early MS
Presented by
Prof. Heinz Wiendl, University of Freiburg, Germany
A post-hoc analysis of the ASCLEPIOS I/II trials comparing ofatumumab with teriflunomide focused on newly diagnosed relapsing MS (RMS) patients with low disease activity.
Follow-up Data and Subgroup Analysis
Cladribine is associated with stable or improved cognition over 4 years in RMS
Presented by
Prof. Bruno Brochet, University of Bordeaux, France
A pooled analysis of data from the extension of the CLARIFY-MS and MAGNIFY-MS studies assessed the long-term effects of cladribine on cognitive function in patients with relapsing MS (RMS).
Progressive MS
Tolebrutinib is not effective in PPMS in the PERSEUS trial
Presented by
Dr Robert Fox, Cleveland Clinic, OH, USA
In the phase 3 PERSEUS trial, tolebrutinib did not meet the primary endpoint of time to onset of composite confirmed disability progression (cCDP) after 6 months. No significant differences compared with placebo were observed in any of the secondary disability endpoints.
Progressive MS
Fenebrutinib is non-inferior to ocrelizumab in PPMS
Presented by
Prof. Amit Bar-Or, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
In the randomised phase 3 FENtrepid trial, fenebrutinib was non-inferior to ocrelizumab at reducing the risk of disability progression in patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS). The oral Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) fenebrutinib significantly slowed disability progression.