Dr Mitzi Joi Williams, medical director of the Joi Life Wellness Group in Atlanta, Georgia, shares updates from the 2021 CMSC Annual Meeting on the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dr Williams begins with a review of findings from ACAPELLA, a prospective real-world study of ocrelizumab-associated adverse events. The various subanalyses found no higher rates of adverse events on the basis of age or EDSS scores, no downward trend in IgG levels, and mild B-cell repletion that had no significant correlation between disease activity or adverse events.
Next, she turns to several subanalyses from the EXPAND trial that looked at efficacy and safety of siponimod in patients with secondary progressive MS. Siponimod provided similar clinical benefits in all age groups and was well-tolerated at 3 and 6 months. Several MRI measures were found to be prognostic of disease worsening or improvement.
Dr Williams concludes with a first look at a new agent, ATA188, which is being studied in adults with progressive forms of MS. This phase 1/2 double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-expansion trial aims to evaluate the effect of ATA188 on clinical disability, characterize the agent's safety and tolerability, and evaluate the impact of treatment on biological markers in progressive MS.
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Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Emory University; Medical Director, Joi Life Wellness Group, Atlanta, Georgia
Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; Alexion; Genentech; EMD Serono; Novartis; Biogen Idec
Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: AbbVie; Genentech; Novartis; Biogen; EMD Serono
Received research grant from: Novartis; Genentech