SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 09, 2024 – Novartis, a global healthcare company, recently released promising data on its Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The findings, presented at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2024 Annual Meeting, highlight the long-term benefits of Kesimpta for both first-line and switch patients.
Relapsing multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, disrupting the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. It is characterized by periods of relapse (disease activity) and remission (recovery). Kesimpta is a targeted B-cell therapy that works by reducing the number of B-cells, a type of immune cell thought to play a key role in MS attacks.
Kesimpta Demonstrates Sustained Efficacy in Preventing Disability Progression
Data from the ALITHIOS open-label extension study showed that Kesimpta significantly reduced disability progression in people with RMS. Specifically, nearly 90% of patients who started treatment with Kesimpta showed no disability progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) for up to six years.
"These data showed that people recently diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis who received first-line Kesimpta had fewer disability worsening events and greater likelihood of being progression-free,” said lead investigator Amit Bar-Or, M.D., Director of the Center for Neuroinflammation and Neurotherapeutics at the University of Pennsylvania. “The reduction of disability accumulation observed early in the disease course supports earlier adoption of Kesimpta.”
This study also demonstrated that over 80% of patients receiving Kesimpta as a first-line treatment were progression-free for up to six years, further emphasizing the value of early intervention with this therapy.
Switching to Kesimpta Shows Promise for Patients on Intravenous Therapies
Another study, the US-based OLIKOS Phase IIIb trial, focused on patients switching to Kesimpta from intravenous (IV) anti-CD20 therapy. The results were equally compelling: at 12 months, all clinically stable RMS patients who switched to Kesimpta showed no new gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) T1 lesions, a key indicator of disease activity.
Furthermore, the OLIKOS study revealed that 98% of patients did not develop new or enlarging T2 lesions at 12 months, suggesting that Kesimpta effectively controls disease activity in patients transitioning from IV therapies.
Novartis Committed to Advancing MS Care
These positive results underscore Novartis' commitment to improving the lives of people with MS. “We continue to study the efficacy and safety of Kesimpta in different populations of people living with relapsing multiple sclerosis as part of our mission to advance care,” said Norman Putzki, M.D., Ph.D., Global Development Unit Head, Neuroscience & Gene Therapy, Novartis International AG. “Novartis is committed to understanding and solving some of the most burdensome neurological conditions to improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers, and to make a positive impact on society.”
About Kesimpta
Kesimpta is a self-administered injection that can be taken at home, offering convenience and flexibility for patients. It is approved in over 85 countries for the treatment of RMS.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms can vary widely, but often include fatigue, numbness, vision problems, and difficulty with balance and coordination. There is currently no cure for MS, but treatments like Kesimpta can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life.