Key clinical point: A favorable benefit-risk profile of ofatumumab vs. teriflunomide in recently diagnosed treatment-naive (RDTN) patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) highlights the possibility of ofatumumab being considered the first-line therapy in these patients.
Major finding: Ofatumumab vs. teriflunomide reduced the annual relapse rate (ARR), confirmed disability worsening at 6 months, and mean number of gadolinium-enhanced T1 lesions/magnetic resonance imaging scan by 50% ( P < .001), 46% ( P = .044), and 95% ( P < .001), respectively, with a manageable and consistent safety profile.
Study details: This was a post hoc analysis of ASCLEPIOS I and II studies including 615 RDTN patients with relapsing MS who were randomly assigned to receive ofatumumab or teriflunomide for up to 30 months.
Disclosures: This study was funded by Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland. The authors declared receiving lecture, consultancy, or speaker fees; travel grants; or personal compensation or serving as a steering committee members and on advisory boards for various sources, including Novartis Pharma AG. Some authors declared being employees of Novartis Pharma AG.
Citation: Gärtner J et al. Efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in recently diagnosed, treatment-naive patients with multiple sclerosis: Results from ASCLEPIOS I and II. Mult Scler. 2022 (Mar 10). Doi: 10.1177/13524585221078825