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circulating immune (T and B) cells thought to be responsible for MS attacks, would be administered by IV infusion for five days and then for three days one year later.
Genzyme applied to the FDA for approval of alemtuzumab to treat relapsing MS, based on positive results from several clinical trials, including one that showed a 55% decrease in relapses compared to interferon beta-1a (Rebif ); however, the FDA asked the company to resubmit its application, so a timeline has not yet been established. While this therapy is powerful against MS, there is concern regarding adverse events, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, a bleeding disorder), and autoimmune thyroid disorders.
Laquinimod is a once-daily oral immune modulator that showed in phase III studies to decrease relapse rates, though not as robustly as investigators had
CARE E-MAGAZINE: SPRING 2013
hoped. This drug is about to be tested in another phase III study in 1,800 people with relapsing- remitting MS.
Daclizumab and ocrelizumab are two other monoclonal antibodies currently under study, with favorable results thus far. A highly concentrated liquid formulation of daclizumab is under study in relapsing-remitting MS. Experimental ocrelizumab, given intravenously, significantly reduced disease activity on MRI scans in a study of 218 people with relapsing remitting MS. One person died due to brain edema; however, the relation of this death to the medication is unclear. Additional research, now going on in primary- progressive MS and relapsing-remitting MS, is needed to further determine ocrelizumab’s safety and benefits.
Research is also underway on potential treatments for
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