Drug-Induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was first described among patients affected by hematological or solid tumors. Following the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, people living with HIV have represented most cases for more than a decade. With the diffusion of highly active antiretroviral therapy, this group progressively decreased in favor of patients undergoing treatment with targeted therapy/immunomodulators. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the objective was to assess which drugs are most frequently related to PML development, and report the incidence of drug-induced PML through a meta-analytic approach. METHODS: The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Database (CADTH) were searched up to May 10, 2022. Articles that reported the risk of PML development after treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, including patients of both sexes under the age of 80 years, affected by any pathology except HIV, primary immunodeficiencies or malignancies, were included in the review. The incidence of drug-induced PML was calculated based on PML cases and total number of patients observed per 100 persons and the observation time. Random-effect metanalyses were conducted for each drug reporting pooled incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the observation time. Heterogeneity was measured by I2 statistics. Publication bias was examined through funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review. In our analysis, we found no includible study reporting cases of PML during the course of treatment with ocrelizumab, vedolizumab, abrilumab, ontamalimab, teriflunomide, daclizumab, inebilizumab, basiliximab, tacrolimus, belimumab, infliximab, firategrast, disulone, azathioprine or danazole. Dalfampridine, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod show a relatively safe profile, although some cases of PML have been reported. The meta-analysis showed an incidence of PML cases among patients undergoing rituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) of 0.01 cases/100 persons (95% CI - 0.08 to 0.09; I2 = 20.4%; p = 0.25) for a median observation period of 23.5 months (IQR 22.1-42.1). Treatment of MS with natalizumab carried a PML risk of 0.33 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.29-0.37; I2 = 50%; p = 0.003) for a median observation period of 44.1 months (IQR 28.4-60) and a mean number of doses of 36.3 (standard deviation [SD] ± 20.7). When comparing data about patients treated with standard interval dosing (SID) and extended interval dosing (EID), the latter appears to carry a smaller risk of PML, that is, 0.08 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.0-0.15) for EID versus 0.3 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.25-0.34) for SID. CONCLUSIONS: A higher risk of drug-related PML in patients whose immune system is not additionally depressed by means of neoplasms, HIV or concomitant medications is found in the neurological field. This risk is higher in MS treatment, and specifically during long-term natalizumab therapy. While this drug is still routinely prescribed in this field, considering the efficacy in reducing MS relapses, in other areas it could play a smaller role, and be gradually replaced by other safer and more recently approved agents.

Exploring the effects of extended interval dosing of natalizumab and drug concentrations on brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Extended interval dosing (EID) of natalizumab treatment is increasingly used in multiple sclerosis. Besides the clear anti-inflammatory effect, natalizumab is considered to have neuroprotective properties as well. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to study the longitudinal effects of EID compared to standard interval dosing (SID) and natalizumab drug concentrations on brain atrophy. METHODS: Patients receiving EID or SID of natalizumab with a minimum radiological follow-up of 2 years were included. Changes in brain atrophy measures over time were derived from clinical routine 3D-Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using SynthSeg. RESULTS: We found no differences between EID (n = 32) and SID (n = 50) for whole brain (-0.21% vs -0.16%, p = 0.42), ventricular (1.84% vs 1.13%, p = 0.24), and thalamic (-0.32% vs -0.32%, p = 0.97) annualized volume change over a median follow-up of 3.2 years. No associations between natalizumab drug concentration and brain atrophy rate were found. CONCLUSION: We found no clear evidence that EID compared to SID or lower natalizumab drug concentrations have a negative impact on the development of brain atrophy over time.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy analyzed using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database.

BACKGROUND: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been reported as the development of drugs with immunomodulatory properties, such as anticancer, immunosuppressive, and biological agents, has accelerated. To clarify an incidence profile of drug-associated PML in real-world clinical practice, we analyzed reported patients with PML using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database. METHODS: We analyzed PML reports extracted from the JADER database based on the preferred term of "progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy" from between 2004 and 2021. This was a retrospective, observational study. We evaluated the effects of causative drugs, underlying diseases, and the age of the patients on the annual number of PML reports. RESULTS: The JADER database contained 773,966 reports published between April 2004 and March 2022, from which we identified 361 PML events. These PML events may include multiple counts of the same case reported by different pathways and patients diagnosed with probable or possible PML. The number of PML reports and reporting ratios have gradually increased over the past decade. The annual number of PML reports associated with biologics, immunosuppressants, and antineoplastic drugs showed an increasing trend. Females aged ≥30 years showed an increase in PML reports; in contrast, there the number of reports for males aged ≥50 years increased. CONCLUSIONS: The number of PML reports and reporting ratios have gradually increased in the past decade in Japan, and it considered that it was related to change in the treatment of malignancies and autoimmune diseases, and the increasing use of biologics, immunosuppressive agents, and antineoplastic agents.

Practical Clinical Guidelines for Natalizumab Treatment in Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis.

Natalizumab (TYSABRI®) was the first high-efficacy monoclonal antibody disease-modifying therapy (DMT) approved as a monotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS. Because natalizumab is administered by intravenous infusion, infusion nurses play a key role in the care of natalizumab-treated patients. In the 16 years since approval, substantial data have been gathered on the long-term, real-world effectiveness and safety of natalizumab. This article provides a synopsis of this data, as well as practical information for optimizing patient care. This includes information on strategies to mitigate the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in natalizumab-treated patients, natalizumab use during pregnancy, and use with vaccines. It also includes guidance on the preparation and administration of natalizumab and monitoring of natalizumab-treated patients.

Safety of anti-varicella zoster virus vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab: A case series.

The vaccination with live attenuated vaccines is generally not recommended during natalizumab (NTZ), as it is included among immunosuppressive/immunomodulating therapies. Nevertheless, considering the lack of evidence of a non-Central Nervous System (CNS) immunosuppressive effect of NTZ, after a risk/benefit evaluation, we decided to vaccinate four multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (three with an indication to switch to ocrelizumab for high-risk Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) and one for pregnancy planning). No vaccine-related adverse events of any type nor varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections were observed. To the best of our knowledge, these case series represent the first description of the good safety profile of anti-VZV vaccination in MS patients during NTZ treatment.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with relapsing multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare but often fatal complication of some multiple sclerosis treatments. Although it has mainly been associated with natalizumab treatment, its appearance with other immunosuppressive therapies has also been reported. AIMS: The aim of this case report is to describe the development of progressive multifocal encephalopathy in a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab without previous use of natalizumab. CONCLUSIONS: A summary of the presentation and disease course is provided, presented in the context of the current literature and likely pathophysiology.

Evaluating the efficacy and safety of transitioning patients with multiple sclerosis from natalizumab to ocrelizumab (OCTAVE).

INTRODUCTION: Natalizumab is associated with a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients infected with John Cunningham virus (JCV). Ocrelizumab has demonstrated efficacy to treat MS; however, its safety in patients previously treated with natalizumab is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab in patients with relapsing MS (RMS) previously treated with natalizumab. METHODS: Clinically and radiographically stable RMS patients, ages 18-65 treated with natalizumab for ⩾ 12 months, were enrolled in the study and initiated ocrelizumab 4-6 weeks after their final dose of natalizumab. Relapse assessment, expanded disability status scale, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed prior to starting ocrelizumab and at months 3, 6, 9, and 12. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were enrolled, and 41 (95%) completed the study. Two patients had a relapse while on ocrelizumab, one at month 9 and the other at month 12, without changes on brain MRI. Two additional patients had new brain MRI lesions detected at month 3, with no new symptoms. Thirteen serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded, four of which were considered possibly related to ocrelizumab. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study indicates clinical and MRI stability for most patients transitioning from natalizumab to ocrelizumab. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03157830.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with natalizumab extended or standard interval dosing in the United States and the rest of the world.

BACKGROUND: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an important identified risk for natalizumab, has been described for standard interval dosing (SID; dosing interval every-4-weeks). Information on PML with natalizumab extended interval dosing (EID; dosing interval >every-4-weeks) in the US and the rest of the world (ROW) is limited. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patient demographics, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes was conducted on confirmed natalizumab EID and SID PML cases evaluated from Biogen pharmacovigilance systems. RESULTS: Of 857 confirmed natalizumab PML cases, EID and SID accounted for 7.5% and 92.5%, respectively (US: 12.9% and 87.1%; ROW: 5.4% and 94.6%). PML risk factors included anti-JCV index > 1.5 (US: EID, 56.7% and SID, 12.8%; ROW: EID, 44.1% and SID, 21.0%), mean duration of natalizumab treatment (US: 90.0 and 70.2 months; ROW: 54.1 and 49.8 months), and prior immunosuppressive therapy (US: 20.0% and 21.7%; ROW:11.8% and 18.0%). In the EID and SID groups, 68.8% and 76.0% of patients, respectively, were alive at up to 2 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides insights on PML in patients receiving natalizumab that extend current knowledge, particularly regarding PML in patients receiving natalizumab EID, which can be built upon in the future.

Influence of physicians' risk perception on switching treatments between high- efficacy and non-high-efficacy disease­modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The decision of initiating treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) with a high-efficacy DMT (HE DMT) or non-high-efficacy DMT (non-HE DMT) is influenced by several factors, including risk perception of patients and physicians. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the influence of physicians' risk perception on decision-making when switching treatments for MS and the reasons for switching. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Adelphi Real-World MS Disease-Specific Program (a retrospective survey) and analysis included people with RMS identified between 2017- 2021. RESULTS: Of 4129 patients with reasons for switch available, 3538 switched from non-HE DMT and 591 from HE DMT. Overall, 4.7% of patients were switched treatment by their physicians due to the risk of malignancies and infections including PML risk. The proportion of switches that were made due to the risk of PML were 23.9% in the HE DMT and 0.5% in the non-HE DMT groups. The top reasons for switching were relapse frequency (non-HE DMT vs HE-DMT: 26.8% vs 15.2%), lack of efficacy (20.9 vs 11.7) and increased number of MRI lesions (20.3% vs 12.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' risk perception of malignancies and infection excluding PML was not a leading factor when switching treatment. The risk of PML was a key factor, especially for switching patients from HE DMTs. In both groups, lack of efficacy was the key contributing factor for switching. Initiating the treatment with HE DMTs may potentially reduce the number of switches due to sub-optimal efficacy. These findings might help physicians to engage more in discussions with patients about the benefit/risk profile of DMTs.

Exploratory clinical efficacy and patient-reported outcomes from NOVA: A randomized controlled study of intravenous natalizumab 6-week dosing versus continued 4-week dosing for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Natalizumab (TYSABRI®) 300 mg administered intravenously every-4-weeks (Q4W) is approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis but is associated with increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Extended natalizumab dosing intervals of approximately every-6-weeks (Q6W) are associated with a lower risk of PML. Primary and secondary clinical outcomes from the NOVA randomized clinical trial (NCT03689972) suggest that effective disease control is maintained in patients who were stable during treatment with natalizumab Q4W for ≥12 months and who then switched to Q6W dosing. We compared additional exploratory clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from NOVA to assess the efficacy of Q6W dosing. METHODS: Prespecified exploratory clinical efficacy endpoints in NOVA included change from baseline in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), dominant- and nondominant-hand 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Exploratory patient-reported outcome (PRO) efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), Neuro-QoL fatigue questionnaire, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-5 L) index score, Clinical Global Impression (CGI)-Improvement (patient- and clinician-assessed) and CGI-Severity (clinician-assessed) rating scales. Estimated proportions of patients with confirmed EDSS improvement were based on Kaplan-Meier methods. Estimates of mean treatment differences for Q6W versus Q4W in other outcomes were assessed by least squares mean (LSM) and analyzed using a linear mixed model of repeated measures or ordinal logistic regression (CGI-scale). RESULTS: Exploratory clinical and patient-reported outcomes were assessed in patients who received ≥1 dose of randomly assigned study treatment and had ≥1 postbaseline efficacy assessment (Q6W group, n = 247, and Q4W group, n = 242). Estimated proportions of patients with EDSS improvement at week 72 were similar for Q6W and Q4W groups (11.7% [19/163] vs 10.8% [17/158]; HR 1.02 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-1.98]; P = 0.9501). At week 72, there were no significant differences between Q6W and Q4W groups in LSM change from baseline for T25FW (0.00, P = 0.975), 9HPT (dominant [0.22, P = 0.533] or nondominant [0.09, P = 0.862] hand), or SDMT (-1.03, P = 0.194). Similarly, there were no significant differences between Q6W and Q4W groups in LSM change from baseline for any PRO (TSQM, -1.00, P = 0.410; Neuro-QoL fatigue, 0.52, P = 0.292; MSIS-29 Psychological, 0.67, P = 0.572; MSIS-29 Physical, 0.74, P = 0.429; EQ-5D-5 L, 0.00, P = 0.978). For the EQ-5D-5 L, a higher proportion of Q6W patients than Q4W patients demonstrated worsening (≥0.5 standard deviation increase in the EQ-5D-5 L index score; P = 0.0475). From baseline to week 72 for Q6W versus Q4W, odds ratio (ORs) of LSM change in CGI scores did not show meaningful differences between groups (CGI-Improvement [patient]: OR [95% CI] 1.2 [0.80-1.73]; CGI-Improvement [physician]: 0.8 [0.47-1.36]; CGI-Severity [physician]: 1.0 [0.71-1.54]). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed in change from baseline to week 72 between natalizumab Q6W and Q4W groups for all exploratory clinical or PRO-related endpoints assessed. For the EQ-5D-5 L, a higher proportion of Q6W than Q4W patients demonstrated worsening.

Management approach including pembrolizumab for fingolimod-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

A 62-year-old man with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis developed progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy (PML) after 6 years on fingolimod. The fingolimod was immediately discontinued and preexisting mirtazepine increased. Three weeks later, with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances worsening and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) JC virus (JCV) titres increasing, maraviroc was introduced. At 6 weeks, subtle punctate contrast enhancement raised the possibility of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), followed by a single focal-to-generalised tonic clonic seizure and a further deterioration in clinical disability. Mefloquine was commenced alongside three doses of pembrolizumab administered a month apart. Serial CSF examinations and several imaging modalities including spectroscopy and fused FDG-PET-MRI (18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose-positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging) were used to help distinguish between PML, PML-IRIS and rebound MS activity and guide optimal management at each stage. A handful of small, enhancing ovoid lesions developed between the first two doses of pembrolizumab, probably representative of a mild rebound phenomenon. A sustained improvement became obvious thereafter with CSF JCV-DNA undetectable 16 weeks following fingolimod withdrawal. To our knowledge, this is the first case of combined therapy and use of pembrolizumab in a fingolimod-associated PML.

Rituximab-Associated Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Twenty-Year Update.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a John-Cunningham virus-related central nervous system that is rarely observed in persons treated with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after fingolimod cessation? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Fingolimod is associated with an increased risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML); however, its discontinuation may cause severe immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). As both of these conditions (especially fingolimod induced PML) are rarely described in medical case reports distinguishing between PML-IRIS and MS-IRIS may be diagnostically challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a patient with severe clinical decline (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) increasing from 3.5 to 7.5) and multiple, large, contrast-enhancing lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a few months after fingolimod withdrawal. The diagnostic possibilities included IRIS due to fingolimod withdrawal versus PML-IRIS. The JC virus (JCV) antibody index was positive (2.56); however, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) JCV real-time polymerase chain reaction (JCV-PCR) was negative and brain biopsy was not performed. After a long course of aggressive treatment (several pulsed methylprednisolone infusions, plasmapheresis, intravenous dexamethasone, oral mirtazapine) the patient gradually recovered (EDSS 2.5) and MRI lesions decreased. CONCLUSIONS: This case report demonstrates the importance of monitoring patients carefully after the discontinuation of fingolimod for PML-IRIS and rebound MS with IRIS as these conditions may manifest similarly.

A real world multi center study on efficacy and safety of natalizumab in Indian patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Natalizumab (NTZ) is increasingly being used in Indian multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. There are no reports on its safety and efficacy, especially with respect to the occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). OBJECTIVES: To describe the patient characteristics, treatment outcomes, and adverse events, especially the occurrence of PML in NTZ-treated patients. METHODS: A multicentre ambispective study was conducted across 18 centres, from Jan 2012 to Dec 2021. Patients at and above the age of 18 years treated with NTZ were included. Descriptive and comparative statistics were applied to analyze data. RESULTS: During the study period of 9 years, 116 patients were treated with NTZ. Mean age of the cohort was 35.6 ± 9.7 years; 83/116 (71.6%) were females. Relapse rate for the entire cohort in the year before NTZ was 3.1 ± 1.51 while one year after was 0.20±0.57 (p = 0.001; CI 2.45 -3.35). EDSS of the entire cohort in the year before NTZ was 4.5 ± 1.94 and one year after was 3.8 ± 2.7 (p = 0.013; CI 0.16-1.36). At last follow up (38.3 ± 22.78 months) there were no cases of PML identified. CONCLUSIONS: Natalizumab is highly effective and safe in Indian MS patients, with no cases of PML identified at last follow up.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Relapsed Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after Cord Blood Transplantation and Blinatumomab Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare neurological disease caused by the reactivation of latent John Cunningham polyomavirus. Hematological disorders associated with immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are risk factors for PML. Blinatumomab is a novel antileukemic immunomodulatory agent and more effective for relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than conventional chemotherapy. But, blinatumomab suppresses humoral immunity due to long-lasting B-cell depletion during and after the treatment. The development of PML involves cellular immunity and impairment of humoral immunity. Although few cases of blinatumomab-related PML have been reported, the use of blinatumomab after allogeneic HSCT may increase the risk of developing PML. The current case report presents a patient of Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL wherein PML developed after cord blood stem cell transplantation and administrating blinatumomab.

Use of natalizumab in persons with multiple sclerosis: 2022 update.

BACKGROUND: Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody used for treatment of highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). With more than 15 years of post-marketing experience with natalizumab in Canada, several real-world studies have shown the long-term efficacy and safety of natalizumab. In addition, risk stratification/mitigation strategies for progressive leukoencephalopathy (PML), an adverse effect associated with natalizumab based on the John Cunningham virus (JCV) index; treatment duration beyond 24 months; and prior exposure to immunosuppressant drugs have been developed. METHODS: A group of neurologists from various MS clinics across Canada met in September 2021 to update the 2015 Canadian practice recommendations for the use of natalizumab in persons with MS (PwMS). RESULTS: The recommendations focused on the long-term efficacy and safety data from real-world studies, patient selection according to JCV index criteria, risk management strategies for PML (including extended interval dosing), and options for switching to currently available disease-modifying therapies for MS. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations of clinical neurologists seek to optimize the management of PwMS who may benefit from treatment with natalizumab.

Comparison of switching to 6-week dosing of natalizumab versus continuing with 4-week dosing in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (NOVA): a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3b trial.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with natalizumab once every 4 weeks is approved for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, but is associated with a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Switching to extended-interval dosing is associated with lower progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy risk, but the efficacy of this approach is unclear. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of natalizumab once every 6 weeks compared with once every 4 weeks in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. METHODS: We did a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3b trial (NOVA) at 89 multiple sclerosis centres across 11 countries in the Americas, Europe, and Western Pacific. Included participants were aged 18-60 years with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and had been treated with intravenous natalizumab 300 mg once every 4 weeks with no relapses for at least 12 months before randomisation, with no missed doses in the previous 3 months. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1), using a randomisation sequence generated by the study funder and contract personnel with interactive response technology, to switch to natalizumab once every 6 weeks or continue with once every 4 weeks. The centralised MRI reader, independent neurology evaluation committee, site examining neurologists, site backup examining neurologists, and site examining technicians were masked to study group assignments. The primary endpoint was the number of new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions at week 72, assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of assigned treatment and had at least one postbaseline MRI, relapse, or neurological examination or efficacy assessment. Missing primary endpoint data were handled under prespecified primary and secondary estimands: the primary estimand included all data, regardless of whether participants remained on the assigned treatment; the secondary estimand classed all data obtained after treatment discontinuation or study withdrawal as missing. Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of study treatment. Study enrolment is closed and an open-label extension study is ongoing. This study is registered with EudraCT, 2018-002145-11, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03689972. FINDINGS: Between Dec 26, 2018, and Aug 30, 2019, 605 patients were assessed for eligibility and 499 were enrolled and assigned to receive natalizumab once every 6 weeks (n=251) or once every 4 weeks (n=248). After prespecified adjustments for missing data, mean numbers of new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions at week 72 were 0·20 (95% CI 0·07-0·63) in the once every 6 weeks group and 0·05 (0·01-0·22) in the once every 4 weeks group (mean lesion ratio 4·24 [95% CI 0·86-20·85]; p=0·076) under the primary estimand, and 0·31 (95% CI 0·12-0·82) and 0·06 (0·01-0·31; mean lesion ratio 4·93 [95% CI 1·05-23·20]; p=0·044) under the secondary estimand. Two participants in the once every 6 weeks group with extreme new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesion numbers (≥25) contributed most of the excess lesions. Adverse events occurred in 194 (78%) of 250 participants in the once every 6 weeks group and 190 (77%) of 247 in the once every 4 weeks group, and serious adverse events occurred in 17 (7%) and 17 (7%), respectively. No deaths were reported. There was one case of asymptomatic progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (without clinical signs) in the once every 6 weeks group, and no cases in the once every 4 weeks group; 6 months after diagnosis, the participant was without increased disability and remained classified as asymptomatic. INTERPRETATION: We found a numerical difference in the mean number of new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions at week 72 between the once every 6 weeks and once every 4 weeks groups, which reached significance under the secondary estimand, but interpretation of statistical differences (or absence thereof) is limited because disease activity in the once every 4 weeks group was lower than expected. The safety profiles of natalizumab once every 6 weeks and once every 4 weeks were similar. Although this trial was not powered to assess differences in risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, the occurrence of the (asymptomatic) case underscores the importance of monitoring and risk factor consideration in all patients receiving natalizumab. FUNDING: Biogen.

Healthcare resource utilization and costs for extended interval dosing of natalizumab in multiple sclerosis.

Aims: Natalizumab is approved as an infusion every 4 weeks (standard-interval dosing [SID]) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Extended-interval dosing (EID) reduces risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) compared with SID, but the impact on healthcare resources and costs remains unknown. Methods: In this population-based study, we included 208 natalizumab-treated MS patients who were classified into EID (≤15 infusions in the previous 18 months; n = 51; age = 33.7 ± 11.1 years; female = 72.5%) and SID (>15 infusions in the previous 18 months; n = 157; age = 36.5 ± 10.8 years; female = 68.1%) groups. Results: Natalizumab EID had fewer MS outpatient visits (p = 0.01) and related costs (p = 0.03), and lower natalizumab costs (p < 0.01) compared with SID, without changes in other healthcare resources and costs. Conclusion: Natalizumab EID is associated with reduced direct treatment costs, apparently without additional healthcare burden.