Key clinical point: Changes in serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) may not be a dynamic biomarker related to confirmed disability progression (CDP) in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) without acute inflammation.
Major finding: At 48 weeks, changes in sNfL were not associated with the risk for CDP in the natalizumab (odds ratio [OR] per 10% increase in sNfL 1.02; 95% CI 0.86-1.21) and placebo (OR per 10% increase in sNfL 0.90; 95% CI 0.64-1.27) groups.
Study details: The findings come from a post hoc analysis of the ASCEND trial involving 317 patients with SPMS without acute inflammation who were randomly assigned to receive either natalizumab (n = 214) or placebo (n = 103).
Disclosures: This study was supported by Biogen. Dr. Zetterberg and Dr. Fox reported receiving personal fees or research contracts from various sources including Biogen. Dr. Belachew reported being an employee and shareholder of Biogen.
Source: Gafson AR et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(2):e2147588 (Feb 8). Doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.47588