Dataset Information

Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Brain Atrophy in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Pooled Analysis Phase 3 DEFINE and CONFIRM Studies.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

In the pivotal DEFINE and CONFIRM trials for dimethyl fumarate (DMF), patterns of brain volume changes were different, potentially due to low sample sizes and because MRIs were analyzed at two different reading centers. We evaluated effects of DMF on brain volume change in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) through reanalysis of pooled images from DEFINE/CONFIRM trials in one reading center.

Methods

MRIs from DEFINE/CONFIRM at weeks 0, 24, 48, and 96 from patients randomized to twice-daily DMF or placebo (PBO) were reanalyzed at the Cleveland Clinic to measure brain parenchymal fraction (BPF). To account for pseudoatrophy, brain volume estimates were re-baselined to calculate changes for weeks 48-96.

Results

Across studies, 301 and 314 patients receiving DMF and PBO, respectively, had analyzable MRIs. In weeks 0-48, mean ± SE percentage change in BPF was -0.44 ± 0.04 vs. -0.34 ± 0.04% in DMF vs. PBO, respectively, whereas in weeks 48-96, mean ± SE percentage change in BPF was -0.27 ± 0.03 vs. -0.41 ± 0.04% in DMF vs. PBO, respectively. The mixed-effect model for repeated measures showed similar results: in weeks 48-96, estimated change (95% confidence interval) in BPF was -0.0021 (-0.0027, -0.0016) for DMF vs. -0.0033 (-0.0039, -0.0028) for PBO (35.9% reduction; p = 0.0025).

Conclusions

The lower rate of whole brain volume loss with DMF in this pooled BPF analysis in the second year vs. PBO is consistent with its effects on relapses, disability, and MRI lesions. Brain volume changes in the first year may be explained by pseudoatrophy effects also described in other MS clinical trials.

SUBMITTER: Nakamura K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8973916 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Brain Atrophy in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Pooled Analysis Phase 3 DEFINE and CONFIRM Studies.

Nakamura Kunio K Mokliatchouk Oksana O Arnold Douglas L DL Yousry Tarek A TA Kappos Ludwig L Richert Nancy N Ayling-Rouse Katherine K Miller Catherine C Fisher Elizabeth E

Frontiers in neurology 20220318

<h4>Objective</h4>In the pivotal DEFINE and CONFIRM trials for dimethyl fumarate (DMF), patterns of brain volume changes were different, potentially due to low sample sizes and because MRIs were analyzed at two different reading centers. We evaluated effects of DMF on brain volume change in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) through reanalysis of pooled images from DEFINE/CONFIRM trials in one reading center.<h4>Methods</h4>MRIs from DEFINE/CONFIRM at weeks 0, 24, 48, and 96 from patients ran ...[more]

PMID: 35370887

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Project description:IntroductionDimethyl fumarate (DMF) showed favorable benefit-risk in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in phase 3 DEFINE and CONFIRM trials and in the ENDORSE extension study. Disease activity can differ in younger patients with MS compared with the overall population.MethodsRandomized patients received DMF 240 mg twice daily or placebo (PBO; years 0-2 DEFINE/CONFIRM), then DMF (years 3-10; continuous DMF/DMF or PBO/DMF; ENDORSE); maximum follow-up (combined studies) was 13 years. This integrated post hoc analysis evaluated safety and efficacy of DMF in a subgroup of young adults aged 18-29 years.ResultsOf 1736 patients enrolled in ENDORSE, 125 were young adults, 86 treated continuously with DMF (DMF/DMF) and 39 received delayed DMF (PBO/DMF) in DEFINE/CONFIRM. Most (n = 116 [93%]) young adults completed DMF treatment in DEFINE/CONFIRM. Median (range) follow-up time in ENDORSE was 6.5 (2.0-10.0) years. Young adults entering ENDORSE who had been treated with DMF in DEFINE/CONFIRM had a model-based Annualized Relapse Rate (ARR; 95% CI) of 0.24 (0.16-0.35) vs. 0.56 (0.35-0.88) in PBO patients. ARR remained low in ENDORSE: 0.07 (0.01-0.47) at years 9-10 (DMF/DMF group). At year 10 of ENDORSE, EDSS scores were low in young adults: DMF/DMF, 1.9 (1.4); PBO/DMF, 2.4 (1.6). At ~ 7 years, the proportion of young adults with no confirmed disability progresion was 81% for DMF/DMF and 72% for PBO/DMF. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (SF-36 and EQ-5D) generally remained stable during ENDORSE. The most common adverse events (AEs) in young adults during ENDORSE were MS relapse (n = 53 [42%]). Most AEs were mild (n = 20 [23.3%], n = 7 [17.9%]) to moderate (n = 45 [52.3%], n = 23 [59.0%]) in the DMF/DMF and PBO/DMF groups, respectively. The most common serious AE (SAE) was MS relapse (n = 19 [15%]).ConclusionThe data support a favorable benefit-risk profile of DMF in young adults, as evidenced by well-characterized safety, sustained efficacy, and stable PROs.Clinical trial informationClinical trials.gov, DEFINE (NCT00420212), CONFIRM (NCT00451451), and ENDORSE (NCT00835770).

Project description:IntroductionWe report safety and efficacy in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for ~9 years in ENDORSE. Lymphocyte analysis data are also reported.MethodsIncidence of serious adverse events (SAEs), discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs), annualized relapse rate (ARR) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score were assessed. Patients were treated with DMF 240 mg twice daily (BID): placebo (PBO)/DMF (PBO for years 0-2 /DMF for years 3-9) or continuous (DMF/DMF) treatment; newly diagnosed patients were included. Annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evaluated in patients from the MRI cohort of DEFINE/CONFIRM. For the lymphocyte analysis, data from first DMF exposure were analyzed.ResultsOf 2079 DEFINE/CONFIRM completers, 1736 enrolled and received ⩾1 dose of DMF. The MRI cohort included 530 patients. In the overall population, 527 (30%) patients experienced SAEs; most were fall and urinary tract infection. Over 9 years on DMF treatment, adjusted ARR remained low (⩽0.20). In patients treated with PBO in years 0-2, decreased ARR was apparent as early as year 3. Of DMF/DMF and PBO/DMF patients, 73% and 74%, respectively, had no 24-week confirmed disability progression. Most patients (~70%) had no new T1 or new/newly enlarging T2 lesions compared with previous MRI scans after 7 years treatment with DMF; the annual number of new T1 hypointense lesions and new/newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions were 0.6-0.8 and 0.9-2.0, respectively. Mean percentage brain volume change from ENDORSE baseline (6 years treatment in ENDORSE) was -1.32% (range -1.60% to -1.05%). Of the 2513 patients with lymphocyte assessments, 2470 had ⩾1 post-baseline measurement, 53 developed severe prolonged lymphopenia and were followed for up to 11 years; incidence of serious infection was not higher than in patients with absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) always ⩾ lower limit of normal (LLN). In patients with lymphopenia while on DMF and ALC < 0.91 × 109/L at discontinuation (n = 138), median time to ALC ⩾ LLN was 7 weeks post-discontinuation.ConclusionsSustained safety and efficacy of DMF was observed in patients continuing on treatment for up to 11 years, supporting DMF as a long-term treatment option for patients with RRMS.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT00835770 (ENDORSE); NCT00420212 (DEFINE); NCT00451451 (CONFIRM).

Project description:IntroductionDelayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF; also known as gastro-resistant DMF) demonstrated clinical and neuroradiologic efficacy and safety in the Phase 3 DEFINE and CONFIRM trials, and in the extension study (ENDORSE), in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This post hoc analysis assessed DMF efficacy in newly diagnosed patients with RRMS with 6-year minimum follow-up.MethodsPatients randomized in DEFINE/CONFIRM to DMF 240 mg twice (BID) or thrice daily (TID) continued on same dosage in ENDORSE. Patients randomized to placebo (PBO) or glatiramer acetate (CONFIRM only) were re-randomized to DMF BID or TID. Results for DMF BID (approved dosage) are reported. Newly diagnosed patients were diagnosed within 1 year prior to DEFINE/CONFIRM entry and either treatment-naive or previously treated with corticosteroids alone.ResultsThe newly diagnosed population included 144 patients continuously treated with DMF BID in DEFINE/CONFIRM and ENDORSE (DMF/DMF) and 85 treated with PBO for 2 years in DEFINE/CONFIRM followed by 4 years of DMF BID in ENDORSE (PBO/DMF). At 6 years (ENDORSE Year 4), the annualized relapse rates [ARR; 95% confidence interval (CI)] were 0.137 (0.101, 0.186) and 0.168 (0.113, 0.252) for DMF/DMF and PBO/DMF, respectively; representing 19% risk reduction (P = 0.3988). PBO/DMF patients demonstrated improvements in ARR after switching to DMF in ENDORSE: 0.260 (0.182, 0.372) for Years 0-2 (DEFINE/CONFIRM) and 0.102 (0.064, 0.163) for Years 3-6 (ENDORSE), representing 61% risk reduction for Years 3-6 versus Years 1-2 (P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with 24-week confirmed disability progression (95% CI) at 6 years was 15.7% (10.3%, 23.7%) in DMF/DMF and 24.3% (15.9%, 36.2%) in PBO/DMF, representing 49% risk reduction versus PBO/DMF (P = 0.0397).ConclusionLong-term DMF treatment demonstrated strong and sustained efficacy in newly diagnosed patients. Results suggest greater clinical benefits with earlier initiation of treatment in this patient population.FundingBiogen.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT00835770 (ENDORSE); NCT00420212 (DEFINE); NCT00451451 (CONFIRM).

Project description:IntroductionClinical course and treatment response may vary according to race/ethnicity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF; also known as gastro-resistant DMF) demonstrated significant efficacy and a favorable benefit-risk profile in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients in the 2-year phase III DEFINE/CONFIRM studies.MethodsIn this post hoc analysis of integrated data from DEFINE/CONFIRM, we assessed clinical efficacy and safety/tolerability in black, Hispanic, and Asian patients treated with DMF 240 mg twice daily (approved dosage) or placebo. Eligible patients were 18-55 years of age with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0-5.0. In the integrated intention-to-treat population, 769 and 771 patients were treated with DMF or placebo, respectively, of whom 10 and 19 were black, 31 and 23 were Hispanic, and 66 and 70 were Asian.ResultsIn the black, Hispanic, and Asian subgroups, DMF was associated with lower annualized relapse rates at 2 years compared with placebo [rate ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)), 0.05 (0.00-1.07); 0.31 (0.10-0.95); and 0.64 (0.30-1.34), respectively]. The percentage of black, Hispanic, and Asian patients with 12-week confirmed disability progression was lower with DMF (43%, 8%, and 20%, respectively) compared with placebo [57%, 30%, and 25%, respectively; hazard ratio (95% CI), 0.53 (0.02-1.39); 0.17 (0.00-0.60); and 0.71 (0.32-1.58), respectively]. The safety/tolerability profile of DMF was generally consistent with that in the overall population of DEFINE/CONFIRM. The incidence of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation in black, Hispanic, and Asian patients was 2/10, 2/31, and 3/66, respectively, with DMF, and 2/19, 1/23, and 8/70, respectively, with placebo.ConclusionDMF may be an efficacious treatment with a favorable benefit-risk profile in black, Hispanic, and Asian patients with RRMS. Further clinical studies are needed to characterize differences in MS presentation and treatment outcomes across ethnic and racial groups.FundingBiogen.Trial registrationDEFINE: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00420212; CONFIRM ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00451451.

Project description:Multiple sclerosis (MS) shares an immune-mediated origin with psoriasis. Long-term safety and efficacy data generated in Europe from usage of fumaric acid formulations in the latter disease constituted grounds to investigate their effects in MS patients. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) was found to be the active principle in those formulations and in vitro studies have demonstrated that DMF has immune-modulatory properties exerted through abilities to divert cytokine production toward a Th2 profile, both on lymphocytes and microglial cells. More importantly, DMF was discovered to impact the anti-oxidative stress cell machinery promoting the transcription of genes downstream to the activation of the nuclear factor (erythroid derived 2)-like2 (NRF2). DMF exposure increases the cytosol concentrations of NRF2, which besides immune regulatory effects, has the potential for cytoprotection on glial cells, oligodendrocytes and neurons. Extensive and rigorous clinical trials have assessed the efficacy and safety of DMF at the dose of 240 mg twice and three times a day in relapsing-remitting MS patients during one phase IIb and two phase III trials. Robust, positive results were obtained across a number of clinical and paraclinical parameters. In one study (DEFINE), the relative reductions of the adjusted annualized relapse rate of the low and high dose regimens in comparison with placebo were 53% and 48%, respectively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). In the other trial (CONFIRM), DMF decreased the annualized relapse rate in comparison with placebo by 44% in the lower and by 51% in higher dosage group (also p < 0.001). The number and size of lesions as detected by magnetic resonance imaging were also significantly decreased in comparison with the patients receiving DMF at every dosage. Multiple post hoc and subgroup analyses corroborated the clinical data, rendering DMF an appealing medication whose potential for impacting the degenerative aspects of MS remains to be explored.

Dataset Information

Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Brain Atrophy in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Pooled Analysis Phase 3 DEFINE and CONFIRM Studies.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Brain Atrophy in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Pooled Analysis Phase 3 DEFINE and CONFIRM Studies.

Similar Datasets

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