Swiss drugmaker Novartis recently announced five-year efficacy data on its monoclonal antibody to treat Multiple Sclerosis. According to the data, these efficacy outcomes included 44 percent fewer relapses 96.4 percent and 82.7 percent reductions in MRI lesions respectively; and 24.5 percent and 21.6 percent fewer 3- and 6-month confirmed disability worsening (CDW) events, respectively.
According to the company’s statement, a separate analysis of the overall ALITHIOS population showed similar efficacy with continuous Kesimpta treatment, which was also well-tolerated with a consistent safety profile up to six years.
“Our analysis of treatment-naïve people who were recently diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis found that first-line use of Kesimpta for up to six years provided long-term benefits, including fewer relapses, profoundly suppressed MRI lesion activity, and fewer disability worsening events. While measurable improvements were also seen in patients switching to Kesimpta later on, the delay in irreversible disability worsening was not fully realized in the switch group compared to those starting on Kesimpta first, reinforcing the value of introducing the treatment to patients earlier,” said principal investigator Gabriel Pardo, MD, Founding Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
These data will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2024 Annual Meeting held in Denver, Colorado and virtually on April 13-18, 2024, it stated.
“We are extremely pleased to share the new data from ALITHIOS, which adds to the growing body of evidence of Kesimpta as an efficacious and well-tolerated option for people living with RMS,” said Norman Putzki, Development Unit Head, Neuroscience & Gene Therapy, Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. “Novartis is committed to addressing the biggest challenges for people living with MS through relentless discovery, development, and delivery of potentially transformative medicines with the goal of achieving complete disease control.”
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves. In this condition, nerve damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body.
Multiple sclerosis causes many different symptoms, including vision loss, pain, weakness of limbs, fatigue and impaired coordination. However, the symptoms, severity and duration can vary from person to person.
