According to an article in Biospace, Biogen, a biotechnology company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, presented new data on its multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies at the virtual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) held April 17 through April 22, 2021. The data specifically targets MS patients undergoing a relapse together with analyses of ”extended” interval dosing with the drug TYSABRI.
About Relapsing MS
Relapsing MS is usually diagnosed according to a pattern of symptoms specific to the disease. The diagnosis is generally confirmed through brain imaging (MRI). Relapses in MS may also be relapsing-remitting which means lasting twenty-four hours or longer. The relapse-remitting periods are usually followed by remission. At times during remission, there may be partial symptoms or none at all.
Dr. Maha Radhakrishnan, CMO of Biogen, commented that each MS patient is affected differently by the disease. Therefore, she explains, it is vital to know how a medication would impact their quality of life (QoL) and daily activities.
The AAN presentation, therefore, included a discussion about the importance of QoL. The Neuro-QoL system measured patients’ social, mental, and physical effects of MS.
About TYSABRI® (Natalizumab)
The primary objective for the AAN meeting was to present the results of the study evaluating the efficacy of extended dosing of TYSABRI. The patients who participated in the study were administered the standard interval dosing (SID) for a period of twelve months.
About VUMERITY®
In addition, new experience data was presented for the drug VUMERITY® (diroximel fumarate). In a prior analysis of 160 patients diagnosed with relapsing MS, treatment discontinuation due to GI side effects was only 3.8 percent. This qualifies Vumerity as a reliable treatment option for secondary progressive MS patients with repeated relapses.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
The newest advancement for the treatment of primary progressing MS came with the FDA’s approval of ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®). A diagnosis of PPMS usually includes the doctor advising the patient that their condition will get progressively worse.
The FDA approved Ocrevus in March 2017 based on the results of the ORATORIO clinical trial. Ocrevus is the only FDA-approved therapy for PPMS and the first monoclonal antibody approved for progressive MS.
However, according to results from the Neuro-QoL questionnaire, the annualized rate of improvement in Neuro-QoL domains was substantially better with the drug TYSABRI than it was with Ocrevus. One hundred sixty-four TYSABRI patients were analyzed resulting in eight out of twelve Neuro-QoL domains having significant improvement.
Domains are described as hobbies, health, job effectiveness, family, finance, and maintaining friendships.
Biogen’s MS PATHS Network
Biogen’s findings regarding the drug TYSABRI® (natalizumab) are a result of its MS PATHS network (Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions). Biogen developed the MS PATHS network to coordinate patient care among major European and U.S. centers. The objective is to standardize data in this diverse patient population.
The optimum MS treatment requires a true understanding of any changes in a patient’s social, physical, and mental health.
After a full assessment of TYSABRI®, MS PATHS research showed that TYSABRI®scored higher than Ocrevus in improving mental and social health. The QoL benefits TYSABRI provides proved to be significant.
Looking Forward
Biogen continues its commitment to the MS community through twenty-five clinical trials currently researching MS. The list includes investigating the concept of COVID-19 vaccination for MS patients.
The AAN presentation was part of Biogen’s effort to understand and advance curative treatment.
