Barry Singer

Initiating oral fingolimod treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis

Fingolimod, the first oral disease-modifying therapy (DMT) approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the only sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator approved for any disease state, represents an important addition to the expanding DMT options for patients with MS. In three large phase III clinical trials, fingolimod 0.5 mg reduced relapses by approximately half compared with either placebo or weekly intramuscular interferon β1a. The risks associated with the use of fingolimod include first-dose bradycardia, macular edema, and elevation of liver enzymes; fingolimod may increase the risk of infections, some serious in nature, and potentially cause fetal harm. Breakthrough disease or intolerance of injectable medications may be factors that influence the initiation of fingolimod. Identification of potential patients suitable for fingolimod treatment requires a thorough understanding of the potential risks and the particular fingolimod indication of the national authority. To minimize risk, recommended baseline assessments that should be made prior to fingolimod initiation include complete blood count, liver transaminase levels, total bilirubin levels, electrocardiogram (ECG), ophthalmologic examination, varicella zoster infection status, and for women, childbearing potential. First-dose observation is required for all patients for at least 6 h, with hourly pulse and blood pressure measurements and ECG before and 6 h after the first dose. In the European Union, continuous telemetry monitoring is recommended. Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for symptomatic bradycardia and the need for continuous overnight ECG monitoring for those at higher risk for bradycardia. With experience in over 63,000 patients and over 73,000 patient-years of exposure in clinical trials and postmarketing use, the benefits and full safety profile of fingolimod continue to become better elucidated. This information will enable healthcare providers to initiate fingolimod in appropriately selected and screened patients with MS.

The role of natalizumab in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: benefits and risks:

Natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks lymphocyte infiltration in the central nervous system, is a valuable tool in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). In a phase III clinical trial comparing natalizumab with placebo over 2 years, natalizumab reduced annualized relapse rate by 68%, 12-week confirmed disability progression by 42%, and reduced contrast-enhancing lesions by 92%. In post hoc analyses, natalizumab treatment was associated with 37% of patients achieving no evidence of disease activity (versus 7% on placebo) and 30% achieving sustained disability improvement (versus 19% on placebo). Natalizumab did not achieve a statistically significant primary composite disability outcome in a trial of 887 patients with secondary progressive MS, but it did demonstrate a benefit on a prespecified component of the 9-Hole Peg Test. The greatest risk of natalizumab treatment is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), with a 23% mortality rate. Risk stratification on the basis of immunosuppressant exposure, natalizumab treatment duration and anti-John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibody status and index has greatly improved clinical decision making. Other potential serious natalizumab-associated risks reported in clinical trials and postmarketing settings include infusion reactions, hepatotoxicity and rare, serious opportunistic infections. With more than a decade of continuous postmarketing experience, natalizumab remains a very effective option for patients with relapsing forms of MS. To optimize appropriate selection of natalizumab for patients with relapsing MS, however, a thorough understanding of individual patient risk factors for PML or other adverse events is also required.

Parenteral Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: The Advent of Monoclonal Antibodies

Improved disease control is critical for enhancing the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis. With specific immunologic targets, monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments are highly effective options for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The mechanism, efficacy, and current safety profiles are detailed for the two mAb therapies, natalizumab and alemtuzumab, with regulatory approval in multiple countries. Daclizumab, which targets the interleukin-2 receptor, and ocrelizumab, which depletes B cells, have convincing phase 3 clinical trial data and may very well provide new options in the near future. Trial results of other B-cell-directed therapies, ofatumumab and rituximab, are reviewed. Less-frequent dosing of glatiramer acetate and interferon β-1a highlight developments in the first generation of parenteral immunomodulatory therapy. Remyelination using mAbs has moved into clinical trials with the first agents, anti-LINGO-1, rHIgM22, and anti-SEMA 4D.

Fingolimod for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis

Fingolimod 0.5 mg (Gilenya™, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, FL, USA) is the first once-daily oral therapy approved for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the USA and for rapidly evolving severe MS or highly active disease despite IFN-β treatment in Europe. An extensive clinical development program has established fingolimod as an effective therapy that reduces relapses by approximately half compared with placebo or intramuscular IFN-β1a. Over 2 years of postmarketing experience in >63,000 MS patients (with >73,000 patient-years of exposure) across the world has contributed to a well-characterized safety profile for fingolimod, and its side effects are manageable through patient monitoring. This article discusses the unique mechanisms of action of fingolimod in the immune and nervous systems, the key data underlying its efficacy and safety profile and perspectives on the role of fingolimod in current and future treatment strategies for MS.

Outcomes of a Switch to Fingolimod to Treat Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: A Patient Subgroup Post Hoc Analysis

Objective: The EPOC study assessed the effects of switching from an injectable disease-modifying therapy (glatiramer acetate or one of three interferon beta drugs) to once-daily, oral fingolimod 0.5 mg in patients with relapsing MS. Outcomes were assessed in several patient subgroups at 6 months between patients who switched to fingolimod and those who continued on iDMT. Methods: Differences in study endpoints between those who switched to fingolimod and those who continued on an iDMT were evaluated by age, gender, baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score, MS duration, number of relapses in the previous year, previous treatment, previous treatment duration, and reason for switching. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to month 6 in the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication Global Satisfaction score. Secondary endpoints were changes in scores for the TSQM Effectiveness, Side Effects and Convenience subscales, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Fatigue Severity Scale, Patient-Reported Outcome Indices for Multiple Sclerosis Activities subscale and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Physician-assessed Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement score at 6 months was also recorded. Results: Switching to fingolimod from iDMT significantly improved scores in all subgroups for TSQM Global Satisfaction at month 6 (all comparisons p≤0.001). Switching to fingolimod significantly improved secondary endpoint scores across all scales for most subgroups (p<0.05) with a few exceptions: switching to fingolimod improved PRIMUS Activities scores only in patients with baseline EDSS scores of greater than 2.5 (p<0.05), and did not improve FSS scores in patients who were male, switched for efficacy reasons, received previous glatiramer acetate, or in whom MS symptom onset had occurred less than 3 years ago. For SF-36 scores, the benefit of switching to fingolimod was highly variable. Conclusion: Switching to fingolimod from iDMT improved outcomes versus continuing on iDMT, including for overall treatment satisfaction, in patients with MS with wide-ranging baseline characteristics.

Comparative injection-site pain and tolerability of subcutaneous serum-free formulation of interferonβ-1a versus subcutaneous interferonβ-1b: results of the randomized, multicenter, Phase IIIb REFORMS study

BackgroundIn patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN)β-1a and IFNβ-1b have been shown to reduce relapse rates. A formulation of IFNβ-1a has been produced without fetal bovine serum and without human serum albumin as an excipient (not currently approved for use in the US). The objectives of this study were to evaluate tolerability, injection-site redness, subject-reported satisfaction with therapy, and clinical safety and efficacy of the serum-free formulation of IFNβ-1a versus IFNβ-1b in IFNβ-treatment-naïve patients with RRMS. The objectives of the extension phase were to evaluate long-term safety and tolerability of IFNβ-1a.MethodsThis randomized, parallel-group, open-label study was conducted at 27 clinical sites in the US. Eligible patients aged 18–60 years were randomized to receive either IFNβ-1a, titrated to 44 μg sc three times weekly (tiw) (n = 65), or IFNβ-1b, titrated to 250 μg sc every other day (n = 64) over 12 weeks. Following this, all patients received IFNβ-1a 44 μg tiw for 82–112 weeks. Primary endpoint was mean change in patient-reported pain, as assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) diary pain score (from 0 mm [no pain] to 100 mm [worst possible pain]) at the injection site, from pre-injection to 30 min post-injection over the first 21 full-dose injections. Secondary assessments included proportion of patients pain-free as recorded by VAS diary and the Short-Form McGill Pain questionnaire VAS.ResultsA total of 129 patients were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. Mean (standard deviation) change in VAS diary pain score was not significantly different between groups, although numerically lower with IFNβ-1a versus IFNβ-1b from pre-injection to immediately post-injection (1.46 [2.93] vs. 4.63 [10.57] mm), 10 min post-injection (0.70 [1.89] vs. 1.89 [5.75] mm), and 30 min post-injection (0.67 [2.32] vs. 1.14 [4.94] mm). Proportion of patients pain-free at all time periods post-injection was also not significantly different between groups. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profiles of these treatments.ConclusionsIn IFNβ-treatment-naïve patients with RRMS, both the serum-free formulation of IFNβ-1a and IFNβ-1b treatments were generally accompanied by low-level injection-site pain and were well tolerated.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00428584

Survey of US Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Comparison of the New Electronic Interferon Beta-1b Autoinjector (BETACONNECT™) With Mechanical Autoinjectors

IntroductionPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) generally undergo long-term treatment with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In the US, patients taking glatiramer acetate, interferon beta-1a, or interferon beta-1b, typically use a mechanical autoinjector. Recent survey results have shown that using an electronic autoinjector, such as BETACONNECT™ (Bayer Pharma AG) for interferon beta-1b/Betaseron® (Bayer Pharma AG) may reduce injection discomfort and increase patient satisfaction with treatment. The aim of the current survey was to assess patient perceptions of BETACONNECT compared with mechanical autoinjectors using a survey integrated with demonstrations and simulated injections with BETACONNECT.MethodsPatients with MS currently using mechanical autoinjectors for glatiramer acetate/Copaxone® (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.), interferon beta-1a/Rebif® (EMD Serono Inc.), or interferon beta-1b/Extavia® (Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.), participated in a 60-min in-person interview. Patients rated the importance of 18 ideal autoinjector attributes, and the performance of their current autoinjectors across these attributes. BETACONNECT was demonstrated and patients performed simulated injections with BETACONNECT before rating it across the same attributes. Patient overall autoinjector preference was assessed.ResultsNinety patients completed the survey: 63 were using autoinjectors for Copaxone, 25 for Rebif, and 2 for Extavia. BETACONNECT scored higher than mechanical autoinjectors across all 18 attributes. The top attributes of an ideal autoinjector were the injection process is easy overall, easy to push the button to start the injection, and autoinjector is comfortable to hold during injections. Unique BETACONNECT features most valued by patients were the built-in dwell time, self-check function, greater ability to customize injections, adjustment of injection speed, low injection noise, and automatic needle retraction. Overall, 75 out of 90 patients (83%) expressed a preference for BETACONNECT over their current autoinjector.ConclusionBETACONNECT attributes and features were highly rated by patients, compared with both an ideal autoinjector and their current mechanical autoinjectors. These findings suggest that the use of BETACONNECT may increase patient satisfaction and potentially increase overall medication adherence.FundingBayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

Rebif® Quality of Life (RebiQoL): A randomized, multicenter, Phase IIIb study evaluating quality-of-life measures in patients receiving the serum-free formulation of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND In clinical studies, treatment with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) has been shown to reduce relapse rates and slow the progression of physical disability in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). A formulation of subcutaneous IFNβ-1a has been developed that is free of fetal bovine serum and human serum albumin. OBJECTIVE To evaluate (a) the impact on quality of life (QoL) and treatment satisfaction of transitioning from the original formulation of subcutaneous IFNβ-1a to the serum-free formulation in patients with relapsing forms of MS; and (b) the impact of dose titration versus non-titration during the transition on tolerability and patterns of analgesic use. QoL was measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Concerns Questionnaire Global Side Effects (GSE) score. METHODS Patients who had received the original formulation of IFNβ-1a subcutaneously for ≥24 weeks were randomized to receive the serum-free formulation of IFNβ-1a 44μg subcutaneously three times weekly for 12 weeks, with or without a dose titration over a 4-week period. After week 12, patients continued to receive serum-free subcutaneous IFNβ-1a during a safety extension phase until they completed between 84 and 112 weeks of treatment. The primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline to week 12 in GSE score in all patients. RESULTS A total of 232 patients were randomized (titrated n=113; non-titrated n=119). The mean percent change (improvement) from baseline to week 12 in the GSE score was 5.0% (p<0.001 for mean change in GSE score from baseline); this change was similar between titrated and non-titrated patients and met criteria for non-inferiority to the original formulation. Adverse event (AE) incidence and use of analgesics for the treatment of flu-like symptoms (FLS) were less common in the titrated group. Few patients (<2%) discontinued due to AEs during weeks 0 to 12. CONCLUSION Patients with relapsing forms of MS who transitioned from original-formulation subcutaneous IFNβ-1a to serum-free subcutaneous IFNβ-1a had overall improved QoL scores at 12 weeks of treatment. Titration during the transition resulted in a lower requirement for analgesic treatment of FLS and fewer AEs.

Ease of use of two autoinjectors in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1a subcutaneously three times weekly: results of the randomized, crossover REDEFINE study

ABSTRACT Background: For interferon beta-1a subcutaneously three times weekly (IFN β-1a SC tiw), administration options include manually injected prefilled syringes; a preassembled, single-use autoinjector; and a reusable autoinjector. This study evaluated patient-perceived ease of use of two injection devices. Research design and methods: REDEFINE, a Phase IV, multicenter crossover study, randomized patients with multiple sclerosis and ≥5 weeks’ IFN β-1a 44 μg SC tiw use to 4 weeks using a single-use autoinjector, then 4 weeks using a reusable autoinjector, or vice versa. The primary endpoint was the proportion rating each ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’, with/without regard to previous device experience. Results: Of 97 randomized patients, 29 had most recent experience with manual injection; 23 with single-use autoinjector; and 45 with reusable autoinjector. 68.4% found using the single-use autoinjector very easy or easy, versus 77.9% for the reusable device (difference −9.5%; p = 0.200). 40.0% versus 29.5% found the respective devices very easy (difference 10.5%; p = 0.203). Conclusions: Most patients found both autoinjectors easy or very easy to use. Having two viable options may help accommodate patient preferences. Ease of administration and patient satisfaction relates to adherence; satisfied patients may more likely be adherent. Trial registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (CT.gov identifier: NCT02019550).

ALEMTUZUMAB IMPROVES 3-YEAR QUALITY OF LIFE IN CARE-MS II

In the 2-year, phase 3 CARE–MS II study (NCT00548405) of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients with inadequate efficacy response to prior therapy, alemtuzumab demonstrated superior efficacy and quality-of-life (QoL) improvements versus subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, with manageable safety. Here, QoL outcomes are examined in alemtuzumab-treated patients at Year 3 in an ongoing extension study (NCT00930553). 393 of 435 alemtuzumab 12 mg-treated patients entered the extension study; 80 received as-needed alemtuzumab retreatment during Year 3. Mean Functional Assessment of multiple sclerosis total score (scale 0–176) improved from baseline to year 3 (119.1 vs 124.8; P<0.0001), with 5 of 6 subscales significantly improved. Mean Short-Form 36–Item survey physical and mental component summary scores (scale 1–100) rose from baseline to Year 3 (42.7 vs 44.7; P<0.0001, and 44.9 vs 46.5; P=0.042, respectively), with 6 of 8 subscales improved, and 82% and 73% of patients, respectively, having a stable or improved score at Year 3. EuroQol 5–dimensional visual analogue scale score improved from baseline to Year 3 (70.1 vs 73.0; P=0.0045). Overall sustained improvement in physical, mental, and emotional aspects of QoL were observed through 3 years in this population of alemtuzumab-treated RRMS patients, even though most patients received only 2 alemtuzumab treatment courses.