Jeffrey Cohen, MD: The Success of Ofatumumab in Relapsing MS

“It was somewhat of a pleasant surprise that ofatumumab was of benefit in preventing disability worsening independent of its effect on relapses.”

In newly published comparative data, Novartis’ first fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, ofatumumab, was shown to be superior to teriflunomide (Aubagio; Sanofi) in its efficacy in treating patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

The pooled analysis from the phase 3 ASCLEPIOS I and II trials and suggest that ofatumumab significantly reduced the risk of 3- and 6-month confirmed disability progression (CDP) compared to teriflunomide, in all groups assessed save for in a single subgroup of patients. The data had been scheduled to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2020 Annual Meeting.

To find out more about what the clinical community can take away from these data, NeurologyLive connected virtually with study author Jeffrey Cohen, MD, neurologist, Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic. In the interview, he detailed the findings of the analysis and shared his insight into what these data may suggest about ofatumumab’s potential to treat other forms of MS.

For more AAN 2020 coverage, click here.

REFERENCE

Montalban X, Cohen J, Comi G, et al. Ofatumumab Reduces Disability Progression Independent of Relapse Activity in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. Neurology. 2020;94 (15 Suppl). 1845.