Briumvi: Five Years of Sustained Benefit in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
New long-term data published in JAMA Neurology confirms that continued treatment with Briumvi (ublituximab) provides lasting clinical benefits for individuals with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings, stemming from the ULTIMATE I and II Phase 3 clinical trials and their ongoing open-label extension, suggest that earlier initiation of treatment may yield even greater benefits.
Long-Term Efficacy and Reduced Relapse Rates
The study followed patients for five years, revealing that over 80% of those who began Briumvi during the initial trials remained free from both relapses and confirmed disability progression. Remarkably, one in six patients even experienced improvements in their disability. This sustained efficacy is particularly encouraging given the progressive nature of MS and the need for long-term disease management strategies.
Relapse rates continued to decline over the five-year period. Initially, relapse rates were 0.08-0.09 per year. By the fifth year of treatment, this rate had decreased to 0.02 relapses per year, demonstrating a consistent and improving effect of Briumvi.
Disability Progression and Improvement
The data also highlighted a significant difference in disability progression between those continuously treated with Briumvi and those who switched from Aubagio (teriflunomide). After five years, 8% of patients consistently on Briumvi experienced confirmed disability progression, compared to 14.3% of those who initially received Aubagio. Conversely, 17% of patients continuously treated with Briumvi showed confirmed disability improvement, versus 12.2% in the switch group.
Safety and Tolerability
Importantly, no new safety concerns emerged during the five-year follow-up period. Briumvi demonstrated a consistent safety profile, with serious infections occurring at rates of 2.58 and 2.1 per 100 patient-years in the switch and continuous treatment groups, respectively. Over 70% of participants remained on treatment at the five-year mark, indicating good long-term tolerability and adherence.
The Promise of Early Intervention
The study reinforces the growing understanding that early and aggressive treatment with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can optimize long-term outcomes for people with MS. The benefits observed in patients who started Briumvi in the initial trials were more pronounced than those who switched from Aubagio, suggesting that initiating treatment earlier in the disease course may be particularly advantageous.
What is Briumvi and How Does it Perform?
Briumvi is an infusion therapy approved for adults with relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS. It significantly outperformed Aubagio in reducing relapse rates in the ULTIMATE clinical trials.
Future Trends in MS Treatment
The positive long-term data for Briumvi aligns with broader trends in MS treatment focused on personalized medicine and maximizing treatment efficacy. Researchers are increasingly exploring biomarkers to predict treatment response and tailor therapies to individual patients. The development of more convenient administration methods, such as oral therapies with improved efficacy, is also a key area of focus.
the emphasis on early intervention is likely to intensify. Studies are underway to investigate the potential benefits of initiating DMTs even in the earliest stages of MS, potentially before significant disability develops.
FAQ
Q: What is relapsing-remitting MS?
A: Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common form of MS, characterized by periods of new or worsening symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recovery (remissions).
Q: What are disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)?
A: DMTs are medications that aim to alter the course of MS, reducing the frequency and severity of relapses and slowing the progression of disability.
Q: Is Briumvi suitable for all MS patients?
A: Briumvi is approved for adults with relapsing forms of MS. A healthcare professional can determine if It’s an appropriate treatment option based on individual circumstances.
Q: What is an open-label extension study?
A: An open-label extension study allows patients who completed a clinical trial to continue receiving the treatment under investigation, providing long-term data on safety and efficacy.
Q: Where can I identify more information about the ULTIMATE I and II trials?
A: You can find more information about the trials on clinicaltrials.gov (ULTIMATE I) and clinicaltrials.gov (ULTIMATE II).
Did you understand? The data presented represents over 3,600 participant-years of ublituximab exposure, providing a robust foundation for understanding its long-term effects.
Pro Tip: Discuss your treatment options with your neurologist to determine the best course of action for your individual MS journey.
Have questions about Briumvi or MS treatment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
