#ECTRIMS2016 – Lemtrada and Tysabri Seen as Most Effective Therapies for MS in 5-Year Study
![MS drug study](https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_306350219-II.jpg)
A five-year study comparing theĀ efficacy of different treatments for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) foundĀ that, in general, Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) and Tysabri (natalizumab) are more effective asĀ therapies than Gilenya (fingolimod) and interferon Ī².
StudyĀ results were presentedĀ in an oral presentation, āComparison of 5-year treatment outcomes between alemtuzumab versus natalizumab, fingolimod and interferon Ī²-1a,ā given atĀ theĀ 32nd Congress of theĀ European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple SclerosisĀ (ECTRIMS), in London, that concluded on Sept. 17.
Lemtrada is a highly effective monoclonal antibody that binds to CD52, a protein present on the surface of mature lymphocytes (immune cells) thatĀ are involved in MS development. Previous studies have shown that Lemtrada is more efficient compared toĀ interferon Ī² therapy in RRMS patients. HowĀ LemtradaĀ acts relative to other potent MS drugs, however, was notĀ known.
Researchers compared the treatment effectiveness of Lemtrada versus Tysabri, Gilenya, and interferon Ī², all therapies for RRMS.
Tysabri is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the cell adhesion molecule Ī±4-integrin that is able to reduce inflammation.Ā Gilenya is an immunosuppressant, preventing immune cells from reaching the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
The study’s main outcomes were analyzed based on the annualized relapse rates (ARR) and six-month confirmed EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) progression or regression events.
To test and compare the drugs’ efficacy, researchers assessedĀ 3,936 MS patients (72% female, medianĀ age 35, median EDSS of 2.5, median follow-up of 2.9 years) from the MSBase Registry and MS centers in Cambridge, Cardiff, Bristol, Swansea, Dublin and Dresden.
Specifically, the study included 189 MS patients treated with Lemtrada,Ā 828 treated with Gilenya, 1,160 patients treated with Tysabri, and 2,155 treated withĀ interferon.
Compared to interferon, Lemtrada wasĀ associated with lower ARR, lower risk of EDSS progression, and a more likely EDSS reduction in patients with previously highly active MS. Lemtrada ARR was alsoĀ lower when compared to Gilenya treatment.
Of note, no differences in ARR and EDSS progression were found between Lemtrada and Tysabri, although the likelihood of EDSS reduction was higher in patients under Tysabri treatment.
In conclusion, the results reproduce the main outcomes of previous clinical trials and confirm a higher efficacy of Lemtrada relative to interferon Ī². Additionally, Lemtrada is more efficacious at reducing ARR when compared to Gilenya. Both Lemtrada and Tysabri show similar effects on relapse activity, although Tysabri is associated with a greater reduction in disability.
Several of the researchers involved in the study reported belonging to scientific advisory boards of companies, or to having received support from them, namely Almirall, Bayer, Biogen,Ā GlaxoSmithKline,Ā Merck, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme andĀ Teva, among others.