Sub-analysis of geographical variations in the 2-year observational COPTIMIZE trial of patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis converting to glatiramer acetate
Studies suggest that patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who fail to benefit from a disease-modifying treatment (DMT) may benefit from converting to another DMT class. COPTIMIZE was a 24-month observational study designed to assess the disease course of patients converting to glatiramer acetate (GA) 20 mg daily from another DMT and the association of disease characteristics and reasons for converting. This sub-analysis was to determine if any findings varied by three geographic locations: Latin America (LA), Canada and Western Europe (CWE), and Eastern Europe (EE).
Methods
A total of 668 patients were included (263 LA, 248 CWE, 157 EE) in an analysis of annualized relapse rate (ARR) and annualized rate of deterioration (ARD), as well as secondary endpoints including reason for DMT switch and changes in disability and fatigue scores. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and log transformation were used to analyze ARR and ARD, whereas the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for secondary endpoints.
Results
The sub-analysis of treatment outcomes stratified by region showed that Latin American patients had higher ARR before conversion to GA compared with patients from the other two areas and subsequently experienced the largest reduction in ARR. Latin American patients also had higher baseline rates of comorbidities and relapses with incomplete remissions and improved more than those in the other two regions based on measures of fatigue, quality of life, depression, and cognition scores. Latin American patients also generally had a better perception of the benefits associated with their conversion to GA in terms of efficacy and adverse events.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that, in RRMS patients, converting to GA is associated with positive treatment outcomes regardless of geographic location. However, the reasons for converting and the type and degree of any associated benefits appear to vary depending on various factors, including patients’ geographical location.
The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-015-0448-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Competing interests
TZ has received speaker honoraria from Almirall, Bayer-Schering, Biogen Idec, Genzyme, GSK, Sanofi-Aventis, Merck Serono, MSD, Novartis, and Teva. He serves as a consultant for Bayer-Schering, Biogen Idec, Novartis, and Teva, and he receives research support from the Deutsche Diabetes Stiftung, Hertie Foundation, the Robert Pfleger Foundation, and the Roland Ernst Foundation. YG-S is an employee of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
Authors’ contributions
TZ and YG-S contributed equally to the development of this manuscript and have approved the manuscript for submission.
Authors’ information
Not applicable.
Abkürzungen
AE
Adverse event
ARD
Annualized rate of deterioration
ARR
Annualized relapse rate
CES-D
Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression
CWE
Canada and Western Europe
DMT
Disease-modifying therapy
EDSS
Expanded Disability Status Scale
EE
Eastern Europe
FAMS
Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis
GA
Glatiramer acetate
IFN
Interferon
i.m.
Intramuscular
LA
Latin America
MFIS
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale
MS
Multiple sclerosis
PASAT
Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test
QoL
Quality of life
RMS
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
s.c.
Subcutaneous
SD
Standard deviation
Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic relapsing disorder of the central nervous system characterized by inflammation, multifocal demyelination, and neuronal and axonal damage [1]. The majority of MS patients initially present with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) that frequently develops to a progressive disease course [1]. The prevalence of MS varies according to geographic location from 10 to 20 per 100,000 in Central and South America to >30 per 100,000 in northern Europe and North America [2].
Immunomodulating disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have been shown to improve multiple measures of disease activity in RRMS patients, including the annualized relapse rate (ARR), proportion of relapse-free individuals, and accumulation of T2 lesion burden [3‐5]. However, these agents are only partially effective in controlling disease progression; studies have reported treatment interruption or discontinuation because of lack of tolerability, progression of disability, or inadequate clinical response [6]. Additionally, the development of neutralizing antibodies, specifically with interferon β products (IFNs) and natalizumab [7], can interfere with the biologic response [8].
Anzeige
Converting to another DMT class represents one treatment strategy for MS patients with an inadequate response to first-line treatments or intolerant side effects [9]. Expert guidance on the specific steps of a conversion has been reported [10]; however, the lack of information on outcomes in different populations [11] results in limited guidance on regional patient considerations.
The COPTIMIZE study was designed to monitor clinical outcomes after converting from failing or ineffective DMT therapy for RRMS to glatiramer acetate (GA) in a prospective way. GA is approved in 57 countries as a 20 mg daily subcutaneous (s.c.) injection for reducing relapse frequency in patients with RRMS. It has long-term efficacy and safety data, with the longest continuous treatment exposure of more than 20 years [12, 13]. The primary results of COPTIMIZE, presented elsewhere [14], indicate that a conversion to GA is associated with positive treatment outcomes and that the benefits vary depending on patients’ reasons for changing. The primary objective of the present sub-analysis is to determine whether benefits associated with converting to GA were affected by therapeutic strategies and patient selection in different geographic locations: Latin America (LA), Canada and Western Europe (CWE), and Eastern Europe (EE).
Methods
Study design
Study design, patient eligibility criteria, and conduct of the COPTIMIZE have been previously reported [14]. Briefly, this post-hoc subgroup analysis attempted to describe any variation in results that might exist between three predefined geographical areas: LA (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Venezuela), CWE (Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden), and EE (Hungary, Romania, Slovakia). Countries were grouped into regions based on similarity of healthcare systems, physician approaches [15], available treatment options [10, 16], and epidemiological characteristics of the population (disease prevalence, demographics, etc.) [2]. All countries investigated in this observational study reported the use of IFN-β and GA at baseline, with no anticipated systematic differences between regions. This study was conducted in accordance with the 18th World Medical Assembly (Helsinki) recommendations and amendments, as well as guidelines for Good Epidemiology Practice. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review boards and independent ethics committees at all participating study locations in each individual country; each site ensured all necessary regulatory submissions in accordance with local regulations including local data protection regulations. All patients provided informed, written consent according to local independent review board ruling.
Study endpoints
The primary objective was to assess the disease course in RRMS patients converting from IFN treatment to GA as measured by the primary endpoints of ARR and annualized rate of deterioration (ARD) (confirmed progression of Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]/worsening mobility scores). Secondary data collected included reasons for DMT conversion, characteristics of patients failing to benefit from previous DMT, and change in EDSS and modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS) scores. Also recorded were quality of life (QoL) changes following GA conversion as measured by the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS), cognition changes as evaluated by the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), depression as measured by Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, and change in adverse events (AEs) following the conversion.
Anzeige
Statistical analyses
Statistical analyses of parameters in this observational study required comparison of at least two endpoint measures, pre- and post-GA conversion, with data represented by descriptive procedures and figures, if necessary. Adjustment for missing data was not required to maintain statistical integrity of the analyses, and annualized rates (primary endpoints) were calculated for each subject using all the available data. Other parameters, which provide additional data for evaluation of the patient status prior to and following conversion to GA, were reported in a non-obligatory manner. Tests of significance (signal rank test and binominal test) were used to measure changes in efficacy parameters from baseline to final examination. ARR and ARD pre- and post-conversion were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of covariance using the maximum likelihood ratio. Log transformation was implemented to the ARR and ARD to establish if there was a significant deviation from normality (i.e., P < .001 using the Shapiro-Wilk test). The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used within groups for EDSS, MFIS, FAMS, PASAT, and CES-D.
Results
Patient disposition
Overall, 672 patients from 148 centers across 19 countries were enrolled, with 668 patients included in the analysis (excluding four patients from Taiwan): 263 LA, 248 CWE, and 157 EE patients (Table 1). Patient characteristics were comparable at baseline between regions, excluding EE patients, who were younger and reported fewer comorbidities and concomitant medications than LA and CWE patients. Baseline disease characteristics that were similar across regions (Table 1) included disease duration from onset, diagnosis, and mean ARR. Distribution of baseline ARR score varied slightly, with the majority of patients experiencing between 0 and 1.25 events/year. LA patients reported the highest disability (baseline EDSS) and the highest frequency of RRMS with incomplete remissions. At baseline, the majority of patients had received one previous DMT regimen in one class of agents (Table 1). Reports of flu-like symptoms were the most common reason for converting to GA. The majority of patients in all regions were converted from IFN-β therapy.
Table 1
Baseline patient demographics, disease characteristics, and DMT history
Characteristics
LA (n = 263)
CWE (n = 248)
EE (n = 157)
Female gender, n (%)
189 (71.9)
175 (70.6)
108 (68.8)
Mean age, years (± SD)
40.1 (10.1)
43.0 (10.2)
34.7 (8.4)
Patients with comorbidities at recruitment, n (%)
27 (10.3)
19 (7.7)
8 (5.1)
Depression
13 (4.9)
6 (2.4)
1 (0.6)
Anxiety
2 (0.8)
1 (0.4)
1 (0.6)
Hypertension
1 (0.4)
4 (1.6)
2 (1.3)
Patients with concomitant therapies at time of recruitment, n (%)
24 (9.1)
15 (6.1)
7 (4.5)
Psychoanaleptics
14 (5.3)
5 (2.0)
1 (0.6)
Antiepileptics
6 (2.3)
2 (0.8)
1 (0.6)
Thyroid therapy
3 (1.1)
3 (1.2)
N/A
Mean disease duration since onset, months (± SD)a
98.0 (82.9)
100.1 (84.4)
92.3 (63.9)
Mean disease duration since diagnosis, months (± SD)b
68.9 (59.6)
72.1 (70.7)
67.9 (48.5)
Mean ARR, events/year (± SD)c
1.0 (0.8)
0.8 (0.6)
0.7 (0.5)
Patients in ARR range, n (%*)
0.00–1.25
166 (67.5)
193 (84.6)
130 (88.4)
1.25–3.25
78 (31.7)
35 (15.4)
17 (11.6)
>3.25
2 (0.8)
0 (0.0)
0 (0.0)
Data unavailable
17
20
10
Clinical type of MS, n (%d)
RRMS with incomplete remissions
171 (67.6)
117 (47.6)
91 (59.1)
RRMS with complete remission
80 (31.6)
122 (49.6)
62 (40.3)
Clinically isolated syndrome
0 (0.0)
0 (0.0)
1 (0.6)
Other
2 (0.8)
7 (2.8)
0 (0.0)
Data unavailable
10
2
3
Diagnosed with MS by criteria, n (%d)
McDonald
217 (83.8)
194 (78.5)
143 (92.3)
Poser
42 (16.2)
53 (21.5)
12 (7.7)
Data unavailable
4
1
2
Mobility, n (%d)
Asymptomatic
45 (19.8)
46 (20.0)
20 (14.9)
Able to walk unaided for >500 m
96 (42.3)
126 (54.8)
112 (83.6)
Able to walk unaided for <500 m
30 (13.2)
27 (11.7)
2 (1.5)
Walking with bilateral support
13 (5.7)
9 (3.9)
0 (0.0)
Walking with unilateral support
33 (14.5)
18 (7.8)
0 (0.0)
Need of a wheelchair outdoors
10 (4.4)
4 (1.7)
0 (0.0)
Data unavailable
36
18
23
Mean EDSS score (± SD)e
3.5 (2.2)
2.8 (1.9)
2.6 (1.0)
Mean CES-D score (0–60) (± SD)f
16.0 (11.7)
16.0 (10.3)
20.6 (19.5)
Mean MFIS score (0–84) (± SD)g
32.3 (19.7)
31.4 (19.1)
33.7 (27.9)
Mean FAMS score (0–176) (± SD)h
109.4 (37.8)
100.8 (34.3)
77.7 (59.4)
Mean PASAT score (0–60) (± SD)i
35.6 (13.6)
36.7 (15.7)
51.8 (5.9)
Mean observation duration, months (± SD)j
20.5 (6.3)
18.6 (7.7)
19.2 (7.8)
Number of DMT classes used (%) (converters only)
1
206 (85.5)
201 (83.4)
143 (92.9)
2
32 (13.3)
38 (15.8)
10 (6.5)
3
3 (1.2)
2 (0.8)
1 (0.6)
Non-converters
22
7
3
Previous type and mode of IFN-β used, %k
IFN-β-1a (i.m.)
30.3
36.0
47.4
IFN-β-1b (s.c.)
30.3
25.9
30.5
IFN-β-1a (s.c.)
35.5
30.7
21.4
Reason for conversion to GA, n (%)l
Lack of previous DMT efficacy
171 (71.0)
78 (32.4)
92 (59.7)
Presence of neutralizing antibodies
1 (0.4)
44 (18.3)
2 (1.3)
Intolerable adverse events associated with previous DMT
98 (40.7)
132 (54.8)
55 (35.7)
Flu–like symptoms
67 (27.8)
73 (30.3)
40 (26.0)
Subjective
29 (12.0)
37 (15.4)
17 (11.0)
Skin reactions
15 (6.2)
14 (5.8)
20 (13.0)
Blood work
7 (2.9)
18 (7.5)
4 (2.6)
Others
21 (8.7)
39 (16.2)
4 (2.6)
Not specified
1 (0.4)
1 (0.4)
0 (0.0)
Other
8 (3.3)
21 (8.7)
36 (23.4)
Non-converters
22
7
3
Discontinuation of GA, n (%)
66 (25.1)
77 (31.1)
30 (19.1)
Perceived lack of efficacy by physician
19 (7.2)
7 (2.8)
16 (10.2)
Perceived lack of efficacy by patient
7 (2.7)
14 (5.7)
6 (3.8)
Adverse events
9 (3.4)
17 (6.9)
4 (2.5)
Lost to follow-up
14 (5.3)
24 (9.7)
2 (1.3)
Other
15 (5.7)
8 (3.2)
3 (1.9)
aMissing data in 24 LA, 28 CWE, and 5 EE patients
bMissing data in 15 LA, 21 CWE, and 4 EE patients
cMissing data in 7 LA, 2 CWE, and 3 EE patients
dAdjusted percentage of patients with data available
eMissing data in 55 LA, 9 CWE, and 8 EE patients
fMissing data in 116 LA, 103 CWE, and 150 EE patients
gMissing data in 113 LA, 118 CWE, and 150 EE patients
hMissing data in 55 LA, 9 CWE, and 8 EE patients
iMissing data in 197 LA, 103 CWE, and 150 EE patients
jMissing data in 11 LA, 17 CWE, and 10 EE patients
kMissing data in 32 LA, 20 CWE, and 3 EE patients
lAdjusted percentage of patients with data available. Patients were allowed to cite ≥1 reason for conversion to GA. Therefore, the percentage may exceed 100 %
Annualized relapse rate
ARR was significantly decreased in all groups following the conversion to GA (Fig. 1). LA patients, who had the highest baseline ARR rate, also had the greatest ARR reduction (1.05 ± 0.78 pre-conversion to 0.34 ± 0.86 post-conversion; P < .0001, Shapiro-Wilk test). ARR went from 0.73 ± 0.58 to 0.34 ± 0.84 (P < .0001) in CWE patients and 0.71 ± 0.50 to 0.24 ± 0.92 (P < .0001) in EE patients.
Fig. 1
Reduction of annualized relapse rate by geographic region. aP < .0001 vs. baseline. *The overall population size does not each the sum of the three individual regions due to four patients in Taiwan that excluded from the regional analysis. ARR annualized relapse rate
×
Disease progression
In total, 499 patients had ≥1 EDSS assessment after baseline examination, with the overall population showing a significant increase in EDSS score (i.e., progression to worse disability) from 2.9 at baseline to 3.02 at final follow-up, post-switch (P = .0256). There was a significant difference between regions in the degree of change in EDSS score while on GA therapy (P = .0230, Wilcoxon signed-rank test), driven by a significant increase in CWE patients’ EDSS score of 0.26 ± 1.18 (P = .0016). Neither LA nor EE patients had significant changes in mean EDSS score from baseline. Improved (i.e., numerically lowered) EDSS scores were seen in 32.5 %, 24.4 %, and 33.8 % of LA, CWE, and EE patients, respectively. There was no change from baseline in 35.8 %, 34.9 %, and 41.2 %, respectively. Deterioration was reported in 31.8 %, 40.7 %, and 25.0 %, respectively.
Disease activity
Disease activity while receiving GA varied. LA patients reported the highest incidence of frequent exacerbations and of fast progression of MS (Table 2). Fewer LA patients reported rarely experiencing exacerbations (27.9 %, vs. 43.5 % CWE and 66.0 % EE patients).
Table 2
MS disease activity over the 2-year study period
Patients, n (%)
LA
CWE
EE
(n = 251)
(n = 246)
(n = 153)
Stable MS (Stage 1)
37 (14.7)
47 (19.1)
22 (14.4)
Rare exacerbations (≤1 per year, Stage 2a)
70 (27.9)
107 (43.5)
101 (66.0)
Slow progression (≤0.5 EDSS points per year, Stage 2b)
48 (19.1)
35 (14.2)
6 (3.9)
Frequent exacerbations (>1 per year, Stage 3a)
80 (31.9)
43 (17.5)
21 (13.7)
Fast progression (>0.5 EDSS points per year, Stage 3b)
11 (4.4)
3 (1.2)
1 (0.7)
Not classified/not available
5 (2.0)
11 (4.5)
2 (1.3)
Change in mobility
The majority of patients showed no change in mobility scores (63.4 %, 62.8 %, and 67.5 % of LA, CWE, and EE patients, respectively). Mobility scores improved in 17.1 % LA and 18.9 % CWE patients, with a significant improvement in 23.0 % of EE patients (P = .0079). Mobility scores deteriorated in 19.4 %, 18.4 %, and 9.5 % of LA, CWE, and EE patients, respectively. Data were missing for 47 LA, 52 CWE, and 31 EE patients.
Secondary endpoints
In LA patients, there was a significant improvement in the mean difference in MFIS score from baseline (6.9 ± 15.4; P < .0001) (Fig. 2). EE patients and CWE patients experienced a nonsignificant increase from baseline of 6.7 ± 18.2 and 0.4 ± 13.6, respectively.
Fig. 2
Change in fatigue, depression, and cognition scores by geographic region. aP < .0001 for Latin America vs. Canada/Western Europe at final follow-up. bP < .0001 for change from baseline. cP < .0001 for change from baseline. dP = .0030 for change from baseline. eP = .0024 for change from baseline. CES-D Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, MFIS Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, PASAT Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, WE Western Europe
×
Only LA patients showed a significant change in QoL, with an improvement in mean FAMS score of 18.5 ± 46.5 from baseline (P = .0008). CWE patients had a mean FAMS increase of 0.6 ± 20.5, while EE patients showed a decrease of 2.3 ± 8.8 (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3
Change in quality of life score by geographic region. aP = .0012 for Latin America vs. Canada/Western Europe at final follow-up. bP = .0008 for change from baseline. FAMS Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis
×
LA patients reported a significant improvement in depression symptoms, with a decrease in mean CES-D score of 4.6 ± 10.9 (P < .0001) (Fig. 2). CWE patients showed a numerical increase in mean CES-D score of 1.7 ± 9.9, while EE patients showed a decrease of 2.4 ± 10.8. These changes were not statistically significant.
Patients from all regions showed an improvement in mean PASAT (cognition) scores (Fig. 2). LA patients had the greatest improvement, with a statistically significant mean increase of 6.3 ± 9.1 in PASAT score (P = .0030). CWE patients also showed a statistically significant mean increase of 3.8 ± 9.6 (P = .0024), while EE patients had a smaller mean increase of 0.8 ± 5.3 (NS).
LA patients reported the highest efficacy with GA than the previous drug (70.0 %; P < .0001), followed by EE and CWE patients (42.4 % and 41.6 %, respectively; both P < .0001). LA patients reported the lowest percentage of “feeling worse” on GA therapy (3.9 %), with EE patients reporting the highest percentage (15.2 %), followed by CWE patients (6.1 %). There was no change in perception of efficacy in 26.2 %, 52.2 % and 42.4 % of LA, CWE, and EE patients, respectively (Additional file 1).
Anzeige
Safety
AEs reported in all three regions are listed in Table 3. Patients from all regions experienced statistically significant improvements in AEs with GA use (P < .0001).
Table 3
Adverse events (AEs)
Patients, events/patients (%a)
LA (n = 263)
CWE (n = 248)
EE (n = 157)
Most common AEs by preferred term
Dyspnea
5/4 (1.5)
4/3 (1.2)
1/1 (0.6)
Syncope
2/2 (0.8)
2/2 (0.8)
0/0 (0.0)
Injection site reaction
2/2 (0.8)
8/8 (3.2)
0/0 (0.0)
Injection site pain
2/2 (0.8)
14/10 (4.0)
0/0 (0.0)
Injection site induration
1/1 (0.4)
5/5 (2.0)
0/0 (0.0)
Fatigue
1/1 (0.4)
3/3 (1.2)
0/0 (0.0)
Arthralgia
1/1 (0.4)
3/3 (1.2)
0/0 (0.0)
Rash
0/0 (0.0)
2/2 (0.8)
2/2 (1.3)
Anxiety
0/0 (0.0)
1/1 (0.4)
1/1 (0.6)
Most common AE classified by system organ class
General disorders and administration site conditions
16/13 (4.9)
55/32 (12.9)
5/4 (2.6)
Nervous system disorders
10/10 (3.8)
9/8 (3.2)
0/0 (0.0)
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
7/6 (2.3)
4/3 (1.2)
0/0 (0.0)
Severity of AE, events/patients
Mild
19/12 (4.6)
40/28 (11.3)
0/0 (0.0)
Moderate
22/12 (4.6)
62/38 (15.3)
5/5 (3.2)
Severe
13/6 (2.3)
14/9 (3.6)
5/3 (1.9)
Data unavailable
4/2 (0.8)
7/5 (2.0)
2/2 (1.3)
Patient-reported assessment of AEs after glatiramer acetate treatmentb
Improved with glatiramer acetate
209 (80.4)
162 (66.1)
58 (38.4)
Same with glatiramer acetate
41 (15.8)
62 (25.3)
87 (57.6)
Worse with glatiramer acetate
10 (3.9)
21 (8.6)
6 (4.0)
Data unavailable
3
3
6
aPercentage reported as the proportion of patients experiencing events
bAdjusted percentage of patients with data available
Discussion
Converting to another class of immunomodulatory therapy represents one treatment strategy in MS patients who fail to respond adequately to first-line treatments [10]. However, this strategy may not always be beneficial because of geographical variations in treatment regimens and therapeutic strategies. For example, GA and IFN-β are typically the first-line treatment options in MS treatment algorithms, regardless of the geographical region [11]. However, some LA neurologists prescribe azathioprine because of limited DMT access or because the drugs are unavailable on healthcare plans [16, 17]. Expert guidance on the specific steps of a conversion have begun to be published, suggesting a conversion in therapy may be considered when there is a high level of concern about relapse rates, progression of MS and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes, a medium level of concern about any two factors, or a low level of concern about all three factors [10]. The general nature of the guidelines is due to inconsistent results with converting.
In this sub-analysis of the COPTIMIZE trial, converting to GA was well tolerated, reduced disease progression and activity, and improved other secondary endpoints in patients across all three regions to varying degrees. LA patients experienced the largest reduction in ARR; however, their baseline ARR was much higher than CWE and EE patients. Ultimately, all three regions reached similar ARR. LA patients had higher baseline rates of comorbidities and incomplete previous remissions than the other two regions, as well as significant improvements in QoL, depression, fatigue, and cognition scores. They also had a better perception of the benefits of a GA conversion in terms of efficacy and AEs than CWE and EE patients.
These discrepancies may be due to differences in healthcare standards and environmental factors between the different regions. For example, the US, Canada, and LA have clinical treatment guidelines that vary in the topics discussed and the use of GA, IFN-β, natalizumab, dalfampridine, and fingolimod [10, 16‐18]. Also, it is possible that patients from different regions may have different epidemiological characteristics and comorbidities [16]. These regional differences cannot be adjusted in such a study, where the observational, non-interventional design carries inherent analytical limitations.
Anzeige
Now that consensus guidelines have defined a suboptimal treatment response, and neurodegenerative activity has been identified even in early stages of disease [19, 20], converting to another DMT class represents a logical treatment strategy in patients who fail to respond adequately to first-line treatments. Our results suggest that more attention is required regarding the importance of establishing formal conversion algorithms that account for geographic variability, ensuring that all patients who could benefit from such an approach are managed in a timely and optimal manner.
Despite study limitations, our observations emphasize the importance of changing a therapy regimen, in particular IFN-based, to improve efficacy and/or overcome treatment intolerance that would otherwise compromise compliance. This is in alignment with previous studies of this strategy [9, 21].
Conclusions
All patients experienced significant improvements in ARR regardless of geographic region. There were differences between regions in patients’ baseline parameters, comorbidities, and reasons for converting to GA treatment. The evolution of guidelines regarding suboptimal treatment response and DMT conversion has the potential to affect strategies for monitoring and treating patients across all geographies and to improve clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
Acknowledgements
The Authors would like to thank Rhonda Charles, PhD and Bryan Sepulveda, PhD, who provided editorial support with funding from Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel. The participating centers are listed in Additional file 2.
Anzeige
Role of the funding source
This study was funded locally by Teva affiliates for database administration. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. funded the study design, collection, interpretation, and analysis of data, and development and submission of this manuscript.
Open AccessThis article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.
Competing interests
TZ has received speaker honoraria from Almirall, Bayer-Schering, Biogen Idec, Genzyme, GSK, Sanofi-Aventis, Merck Serono, MSD, Novartis, and Teva. He serves as a consultant for Bayer-Schering, Biogen Idec, Novartis, and Teva, and he receives research support from the Deutsche Diabetes Stiftung, Hertie Foundation, the Robert Pfleger Foundation, and the Roland Ernst Foundation. YG-S is an employee of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
Authors’ contributions
TZ and YG-S contributed equally to the development of this manuscript and have approved the manuscript for submission.
Sub-analysis of geographical variations in the 2-year observational COPTIMIZE trial of patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis converting to glatiramer acetate
Akuter Schwindel stellt oft eine diagnostische Herausforderung dar. Wie nützlich dabei eine MRT ist, hat eine Studie aus Finnland untersucht. Immerhin einer von sechs Patienten wurde mit akutem ischämischem Schlaganfall diagnostiziert.
Wenn unter einer medikamentösen Hochdrucktherapie der diastolische Blutdruck in den Keller geht, steigt das Risiko für schwere kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse: Darauf deutet eine Sekundäranalyse der SPRINT-Studie hin.
Ist die Tau-Last noch gering, scheint der Vorteil von Lecanemab besonders groß zu sein. Und beginnen Erkrankte verzögert mit der Behandlung, erreichen sie nicht mehr die kognitive Leistung wie bei einem früheren Start. Darauf deuten neue Analysen der Phase-3-Studie Clarity AD.
Neue arznei- und zellbasierte Ansätze, Frühdiagnose mit Bewegungssensoren, Rückenmarkstimulation gegen Gehblockaden – in der Parkinsonforschung tut sich einiges. Auf dem Deutschen Parkinsonkongress ging es auch viel um technische Innovationen.
