Comparative effectiveness of rituximab and cladribine in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A target trial emulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Head-to-head comparisons of high-efficacy therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are lacking. We conducted a target trial emulation to compare the long-term effectiveness of rituximab and cladribine.

Methods

We estimated the effect of initiating treatment with rituximab versus cladribine using observational data from the Norwegian MS Registry and Biobank at two university hospitals with different treatment strategies. Cumulative incidence and risk differences (RDs) were estimated using weighted Kaplan-Meier estimators, adjusting for baseline covariates. The primary outcome was magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activity, with secondary outcomes including relapses and safety.

Results

The study included 285 patients, 159 receiving r

SUBMITTER: Rod BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12228892 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature