Abstract
Background:
Natalizumab is a highly efficacious therapy for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patients who discontinue natalizumab may experience return of MS disease activity.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to analyze predictors of post-natalizumab disease activity return.
Methods:
The Tysabri® Observational Program (TOP) is an ongoing observational study of natalizumab-treated RRMS patients. Patients discontinuing natalizumab are encouraged to remain in TOP.
Results:
Analyses included 3221 TOP patients. After ⩾2 years on natalizumab, relapse risk was twice as high for patients who switched to an oral therapy (n = 660, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.18, p < 0.001) and three times as high for patients who switched to an injectable therapy (n = 95, HR = 3.02, p < 0.001) as for those who stayed on natalizumab (n = 2466). Relapse rates after switching remained below pre-natalizumab rates. In patients who switched to an oral therapy, higher relapse risk was predicted by longer washout time, more pre-natalizumab relapses, higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score at natalizumab initiation, and shorter natalizumab treatment duration.
Conclusion:
Patients who stayed on natalizumab had better clinical outcomes than those who switched to an oral or injectable therapy after ⩾2 years on natalizumab. These results highlight modifiable risk factors for disease activity return (e.g. natalizumab treatment duration and washout duration) to consider when making treatment decisions.
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Supplementary Material
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