Assessment of immune functions and MRI disease activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients switching from natalizumab to fingolimod (ToFingo-Successor).

ABSTRACT:

Background

In light of the increased risk of progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML) development under long-term treatment with the monoclonal antibody natalizumab which is approved for treatment of active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), there is a clear need for alternative treatment options with comparable efficacy and reduced PML risk. One such option is fingolimod, a functional sphingosin-1-receptor antagonist that has been approved as first oral drug for treatment of active RRMS. However, the optimal switching design in terms of prevention of disease reoccurrence is still unknown. Moreover, potential additive effects of both drugs on immune functions, especially with regard to migration, have not yet been evaluated.

Methods/design

This is an explorato

SUBMITTER: Klotz L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4477482 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature