NovartisNovartis today announced new data from the Phase 3 ASCLEPIOS I/II trials and the ALITHIOS open-label extension showing continuous treatment with Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) significantly increased the odds of achieving no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) versus switching from teriflunomide(1). These data were presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Annual Meeting being held in Vienna, Austria and virtually on June 25-28, 2022.

New data from the Phase 3 ASCLEPIOS I/II trials and ALITHIOS open-label extension show that after four years nearly 8 out of 10 of people with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) treated continuously with Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) had no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) compared with 5 out of 10 of those who switched to Kesimpta at a later date after initial teriflunomide treatment(1).

These data show that after four years of treatment, 78.8% of those who continuously received Kesimpta achieved NEDA-3 (defined as having no MS relapses, no disability worsening and no MRI activity) versus only 51.8% of those who switched from teriflunomide to Kesimpta in the extension phase (odds ratio: 3.89; p<0.001)1. These data build on the previously presented efficacy data from ASCLEPIOS I/II and ALITHIOS showing sustained differences in cumulative relapses, MRI lesion activity and the risk of disability worsening between those who were continuously treated with Kesimpta versus those who switched at a later date(1).

"Early initiation of high-efficacy therapies for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis has been shown to improve long-term outcomes versus escalating from lower efficacy therapies," said Professor Ludwig Kappos, University Hospital Basel. "NEDA-3 is an important endpoint for physicians to consider when deciding to initiate high efficacy therapy, with this latest data from ALITHIOS we can clearly see the benefit of starting Kesimpta early versus switching to it later from teriflunomide."

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by myelin destruction and axonal damage in the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord(3). MS, which affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide(4), can be characterized into four main types: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting (RRMS), secondary progressive (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS)(5).The various forms of MS can be distinguished based on whether a patient experiences relapses (clearly defined acute inflammatory attacks of worsening neurological function), and/or whether they experience progression of neurologic damage and disability from the onset of the disease(6).

About Kesimpta® (ofatumumab)

Kesimpta is a targeted, precisely dosed and delivered B-cell therapy that provides the flexibility of self-administration for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). It is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) self-administered by a once-monthly injection, delivered subcutaneously(7,8). Initial doses of Kesimpta are at Weeks 0, 1 and 2, with the first injection performed under the guidance of a healthcare professional. As shown in preclinical studies, Kesimpta is thought to work by binding to a distinct epitope on the CD20 molecule inducing potent B-cell lysis and depletion(9). The selective mechanism of action and subcutaneous administration of Kesimpta allows precise delivery to the lymph nodes, where B-cell depletion in MS is needed, and preclinical studies have shown that it may preserve the B-cells in the spleen(10). Once-monthly dosing of Kesimpta differs from other anti-CD20 therapies as it allows faster repletion of B-cells, offering more flexibility in MS management6. Ofatumumab was originally developed by Genmab and licensed to GlaxoSmithKline. Novartis obtained rights for ofatumumab from GlaxoSmithKline in all indications, including RMS, in December 2015(11).

Ofatumumab has been approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Albania, and India etc.

About Novartis in Neuroscience

At Novartis Neuroscience, we have been tackling neurological conditions for more than 80 years, launching transformative treatments which have made meaningful differences to millions of people worldwide. We continue to collaborate on industry-leading treatments in multiple sclerosis, pediatric neurology, neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatry because we know through innovation, partnership and community engagement early on, we can improve the standard of care.

To ensure patients everywhere can benefit from these life-changing therapies, we work closely with key stakeholders across the world to ensure rapid and sustainable access to our medicines, with the aim of providing the widest choice of treatments for each person's unique journey.

About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world’s top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 108,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world.

1. Kappos L, et al. Longer-term Efficacy of Ofatumumab in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. ePresentation number: EPR161; MS and Related Disorders. European Academy of Neurology - Vienna, Austria. 2022, June 25-28, 2022
2. Benedict RH, et al. Improvement in Cognitive Processing Speed with Ofatumumab in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. Oral presentation: S11.001; MS Immunology and Basic Science. European Academy of Neurology – Vienna, Austria. 2022, June 25-28, 2022
3. Guthrie E. Multiple sclerosis: a primer and update. Adv Studies Pharm. 2007;4(11):313-317.
4. Multiple Sclerosis International Federation. Atlas of MS 2013. Mapping Multiple Sclerosis Around the World. Available from: http://www.msif.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Atlas-of-MS.pdf [Last accessed: March 2022].
5. National MS Society. Types of MS. Available from: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS [Last accessed: March 2022].
6. Kesimpta Prescribing Information. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; August 2020.
7. Bar-Or A, Fox E, Goodyear A, et al. Onset of B-cell depletion with subcutaneous administration of ofatumumab in relapsing multiple sclerosis: results from the APLIOS bioequivalence study. Poster presentation at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum; February 27-29, 2020; West Palm Beach, FL.
8. Smith P, Kakarieka A, Wallstroem E. Ofatumumab is a fully human anti-CD20 antibody achieving potent B-cell depletion through binding a distinct epitope. Poster presentation at the European Committee for Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress; September 14-17, 2016; London, UK.
9. Smith P, Huck C, Wegert V, et al. Low-dose, subcutaneous anti-CD20 therapy effectively depletes B-cells and ameliorates CNS autoimmunity. Poster presentation at ECTRIMS; September 14-17, 2016; London, UK.
10. Savelieva M, Kahn J, Bagger M, et al. Comparison of the B-cell recovery time following discontinuation of anti-CD20 therapies. ePoster presentation at ECTRIMS; October 25-28, 2017; Paris, FR.
11. Genmab Press Release: Genmab announces completion of agreement to transfer remaining ofatumumab rights. December 21, 2015. Available from: https://ir.genmab.com/static-files/9d491b72-bb0b-4e46-a792-dee6c29aaf7d [Last accessed: March 2022].