June 27, 2022: “Novartis announced new data from the Phase 3 ASCLEPIOS I/II trials and the ALITHIOS open-label extension showing continuous treatment with Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) significantly increased the odds of achieving no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) versus switching from teriflunomide.
These data were presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Annual Meeting being held in Vienna, Austria and virtually on June 25–28, 2022.
These data show that after four years of treatment, 78.8% of those who continuously received Kesimpta achieved NEDA-3 (defined as having no MS relapses, no disability worsening and no MRI activity) versus only 51.8% of those who switched from teriflunomide to Kesimpta in the extension phase (odds ratio: 3.89; p<0.001).
These data build on the previously presented efficacy data from ASCLEPIOS I/II and ALITHIOS showing sustained differences in cumulative relapses, MRI lesion activity and the risk of disability worsening between those who were continuously treated with Kesimpta versus those who switched at a later date.
“Early initiation of high-efficacy therapies for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis has been shown to improve long-term outcomes versus escalating from lower efficacy therapies,” said Professor Ludwig Kappos, University Hospital Basel.
“NEDA-3 is an important endpoint for physicians to consider when deciding to initiate high efficacy therapy, with this latest data from ALITHIOS we can clearly see the benefit of starting Kesimpta early versus switching to it later from teriflunomide.”
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by myelin destruction and axonal damage in the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord.
MS, which affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide, can be characterized into four main types: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting (RRMS), secondary progressive (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS).
The various forms of MS can be distinguished based on whether a patient experiences relapses (clearly defined acute inflammatory attacks of worsening neurological function), and/or whether they experience progression of neurologic damage and disability from the onset of the disease.
About Kesimpta® (ofatumumab)
Kesimpta is a targeted, precisely dosed and delivered B-cell therapy that provides the flexibility of self-administration for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS).
It is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) self-administered by a once-monthly injection, delivered subcutaneously.
Initial doses of Kesimpta are at Weeks 0, 1 and 2, with the first injection performed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
As shown in preclinical studies, Kesimpta is thought to work by binding to a distinct epitope on the CD20 molecule inducing potent B-cell lysis and depletion.
The selective mechanism of action and subcutaneous administration of Kesimpta allows precise delivery to the lymph nodes, where B-cell depletion in MS is needed, and preclinical studies have shown that it may preserve the B-cells in the spleen.
Once-monthly dosing of Kesimpta differs from other anti-CD20 therapies as it allows faster repletion of B-cells, offering more flexibility in MS management.
Ofatumumab was originally developed by Genmab and licensed to GlaxoSmithKline. Novartis obtained rights for ofatumumab from GlaxoSmithKline in all indications, including RMS, in December 2015.
Ofatumumab has been approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Albania, and India etc.”
