| ROCKLAND, Mass, Sept. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the U.S. and Canada, announced today it will present data on its approved and investigational multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments at MSVirtual2020: 8th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting. The Company will present 54 abstracts at the meeting, taking place virtually from September 11-13, 2020, including new efficacy and real-world safety data on MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) tablets and new safety data for Rebif® (interferon beta-1a). In addition, data will be presented on the efficacy profile of evobrutinib, an investigational, oral, highly selective Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (BTKi), through 108 weeks of treatment in the Phase II open-label extension (OLE) in adult patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Preclinical data will also be presented providing insights into evobrutinib’s potential impact on progression in MS. “The broad range of research revealed through these data demonstrate our strategic approach to advancing the MS treatment landscape through new medicines and patient-focused research initiatives,” said Luciano Rossetti, Global Head of Research & Development for EMD Serono. “Much of our data provide insights on how MAVENCLAD® and Rebif® affect the risk of respiratory viral infections and COVID-19 outcomes in MS patients. These insights will help support clinicians as they make treatment decisions for their patients living with MS.” Key MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) tablets data include: - Efficacy results from the Phase IV MAGNIFY-MS study and its impact on a reduction in mean combined unique active (CUA) lesion count in the first six months of MAVENCLAD® treatment for highly active RMS
- New data evaluating cumulative relapse incidence over five years in patients enrolled in the MAVENCLAD® CLARITY and CLARITY Extension trials
- Late-breaking interim data from the CLASSIC-MS study on the long-term efficacy and real-world treatment patterns for patients receiving MAVENCLAD®, with eight to 14 years of follow up, will be available as part of the late-breaker sessions from September 25, 2020
- Results from a post hoc analysis from the CLARITY Extension and the impact of MAVENCLAD® on the prevalence of disability improvement over five years, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
- Results from the MAGNIFY and CLARIFY studies regarding clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 infection during these Phase IV studies of MAVENCLAD® for the treatment of MS will be available as part of the late-breaker sessions from September 25, 2020
- Updated post-approval safety data of MAVENCLAD® in the treatment of MS, including respiratory viral infections and findings that the safety profile was consistent with that from the clinical development program
Key Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) data include: - Post-approval results on the safety of Rebif® in the treatment of MS, showing no new safety signals
Key evobrutinib data include: - Efficacy results of the Phase II OLE in patients treated with evobrutinib 75 mg BID (twice a day) as measured by annualized relapse rate from Week 48 to Week 108
- Safety results from the ≥60 week Phase II OLE
- Preclinical data demonstrating evobrutinib’s potential to reduce CNS compartmentalized inflammation thought to drive the progression of disability seen in MS
Additional EMD Serono activities at MSVirtual2020: - Live presentation “Exploring the role of real-world data in multiple sclerosis” chaired by Prof. Gavin Giovannoni, Chair of Neurology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (September 12, 2020, 14:30–15:30 EDT; recording available after the event)
- Two product theatres on demand throughout the congress starting from September 11, 2020, 11:45 EDT
- “Multiple sclerosis patient management: update from the UK” by Dr. Wallace Brownlee, MS Specialist Neurologist, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and MS researcher at Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology
- “Real-world multiple sclerosis management: what can we learn from MSBase?” by Dr. Suzanne Hodgkinson, Associate Professor, University of New South Wales, and a senior consultant neurologist at Liverpool Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
Following the conclusion of MSVirtual2020, EMD Serono will be hosting “Mastering the Neuroscience of Unconscious Bias,” the inaugural virtual event for the company`s I’M IN initiative, a diversity, equity and inclusion effort started in February 2019. I’M IN is a US-based initiative started by the Neurology & Immunology franchise, which aims to explore solutions together with healthcare providers to improve equity within the healthcare ecosystem. Below is the full list of EMD Serono abstracts accepted for presentation at ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS 2020: MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) tablets Presentations | Title | Authors | Presentation ID | Presentation Details | Reduced Grey Matter Atrophy in Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Cladribine Tablets | Battaglini M, Sormani M P, Luchetti L, Gentile G, Cortese R, Alexandri N, De Stefano N | P0231 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Marco Battaglini | Reduction in CUA MRI Lesions in the First 6 Months of Cladribine Tablets Treatment for Highly Active Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: MAGNIFY-MS Study | De Stefano N, Barkhof F, Montalban X, Achiron A, Derfuss T, Chan A, Hodgkinson S, Prat A, Leocani L. Schmierer K, Sellebjerg F, Vermersch P, Wiendl H, Keller B, Roy S | P0382 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Nicola De Stefano | Durable Efficacy of Cladribine Tablets: Cumulative Relapse Incidence Over 5 years in CLARITY and CLARITY Extension | Giovannoni G, Rammohan K, Leist T, Coyle P K, Keller B, Jack D, Alexandri N | P0202 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Gavin Giovannoni | Disability Improvement in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients Receiving Cladribine Tablets, Evaluated by Expanded Disability Status Scale | Sormani M P, Signori A Giovannoni G, Alexandri N | P0201 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Maria Pia Sormani | Updated Post-Approval Safety of Cladribine Tablets in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, With Particular Reference to Respiratory Viral Infections | Giovannoni G, Berger J, Leist T, Jack D, Galazka A, Nolting A, Damian D | P0415 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Gavin Giovannoni | Clinical Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19 Infection During Phase IV Studies of Cladribine Tablets for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis | Karan R, Roy S, Alexandri N | LB1151 | Session: Latebreaker ePoster Date: September 25- 26, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 25, 2020 Presenter: Radmila Karan | Treatment Satisfaction in Patients With Highly- active Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Cladribine Tablets: CLARIFY-MS Study Interim Analysis | Brochet B, Hupperts R, Langdon D, Solari A, Piehl F, Lechner-Scott J, Montalban X, Selmaj K, Valis M, Rejdak K, Havrdova EK, Patti F, Alexandri N, Nolting A, Keller B | P1066 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Bruno Brochet | Initial Findings From a Dynamic Cohort Study of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Proactive Approach for Safety and Comparative Effectiveness | Sabidó, M, Batech M, Foch C, Boutmy E, Verpillat P | P0470 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Meritxell Sabidó | Characteristics of Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated With Cladribine Tablets in Five European Countries: Multi-year Chart Review | Zeng F, Harty G, Wong SL, Maslova E, Schade R, Row B | P0846 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Feng Zeng | Characterization of Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated With Cladribine Tablets in Germany Since Marketing Authorization | Zeng F, Harty G, Wong SL, Uebler S, Maslova E, Schade R, Row B, Ellenberger D, Stahmann A | P0847 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Feng Zeng | CLASSIC-MS: Long- term Efficacy and Real- World Treatment Patterns for Patients Receiving Cladribine Tablets - Interim Data with 8–14 Years Follow-up | Giovannoni G, Leist T, Aydemir A, Verdun Di Cantogno E, on behalf of the CLASSIC-MS Steering Committee | LB1229 | Session: Latebreaker ePoster Date: September 25- 26, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET September 25, 2020 Presenter: Thomas Leist | Age-related Efficacy of Cladribine Tablets in Patients With Relapsing- remitting MS in the CLARITY Extension Study | Freedman M, Pardo G, De Stefano N, Aldridge J, Hyvert Y, Galazka A, Lemieux C | P0284 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Mark Freedman | Cladribine Tablets in Patients with RRMS and Active SPMS After Suboptimal Response to Prior DMD (MASTER-2 and CLICK-MS): Initial Baseline Demographics | Miravelle A, Katz J, Robertson D, Hayward B, Walsh JS, Harlow DE, Lebson LA, Sloane JA, Bass AD, Fox EJ | P0310 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Augusto Miravelle | Treatment-emergent Adverse Events Occurring Early in the Treatment Course of Cladribine Tablets in two Phase 3 Trials in Multiple Sclerosis | Oh J, Walker B, Giovannoni G, Jack D, Dangond F, Nolting A, Aldridge J, Lebson L, Leist TP | P0411 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Jiwon Oh | Identification and Characterization of Adherence Trajectory Subgroups in Patients With MS Initiating Once- or Twice-daily Oral Disease-modifying Drugs | Cisternas MG, Rajagopalan D, Leszko M, Andrade K, Phillips AL | P0967 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Amy Phillips | Real-world Patient-level Costs of Administering Infusion Disease- modifying Drugs: A US Retrospective Claims Database Analysis | Kozma CM, Roberts NL, Phillips AL | P1052 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Chris Kozma | Value-added Benefits of a Nurse/Pharmacy-led Service for Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Treated Over 2 Years With Cladribine Tablets in the UK | Morgan K, Vernon K, Ayer M | P1069 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Kate Morgan | Demonstrating the Value of a Patient Support Program for Multiple Sclerosis Patients Prescribed Cladribine Tablets in Ireland at the end of Year 1 | Morgan K, Joseph B, Williams V, Kelly M | P1015 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Kate Morgan | Low Discontinuation Rate and Side-effect Burden After Switching to Cladribine Tablets: Canadian Experience from the adveva® Patient Support Program | Oh J, Giacomini P, Devonshire V, Clift F, Lemieux C, Sabido M, Allignol A, Freedman M | P0880 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Jiwon Oh | Cladribine Tablets Versus Other Disease- modifying Therapies in Achieving Disability Improvement in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients – Network Meta-analysis | Piasecka- Stryczyńska K, Rolka M, Kaczyński Ł, Górecka M, Wójcik R, Adamek I, Kaczor MP, Rejdak K | P0040 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: K. Piasecka-Stryczynska | MS Disease-modifying Therapy Sequencing – Natalizumab to Cladribine Tablets – Experience in 46 Patients | Ziemssen T, Penner IK, Wagner T, Huebschen M, Mueller B, Buescher T, Richter J, Posevitz-Fejfar A | 566 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Tjalf Ziemssen | Switching disease modifying treatment in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Delphi consensus of the Demyelinating Group of the Spanish Society of Neurology | Saiz A, Aguera E, Moral E, Brieva L, Rodriguez- Antiguedad A, Casanova-Estruch B, Jordi R, Meca- Lallana V, Garcia- Merino JA, Costa- Frossard L, Arnal- Garice C, Landete L, Meca-Lallana J, Blanco Y, Matías- Guiu J, Ares A, Martínez-Ginés ML, Ara JR, Llaneza M, Castillo-Trivino T, Romero L, Perez- Sempere A, González-Platas M, Mendibe-Bilbao M | P0401 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Luis Brieva | CLADQoL (CLADribine Tablets – evaluation of Quality of Life) Study: Evaluating QoL 12 Months After Treatment Initiation with Cladribine Tablets | Penner IK, Pul R, Kallmann BA, Raji A, Richter J, Wagner T, Mueller B, Buescher T, Posevitz-Fejfar A | P0849 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Iris- Katharina Penner | Effects of Cladribine on Proliferation, Survival and Cytokine Release of Human Astrocytes | Eixarch H, Calvo- Barreiro L, Fissolo N, Boschert U, Comabella M, Montalban X, Espejo C | P0330 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Herena Eixarch | Real-world Experience With Cladribine in the MSBase Registry | Butzkueven H, Spelman T, Verdun di Cantogno E, Fabris J, Zeng F, G Harty | P0907 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Helmut Butzkueven | 2- Chlorodeoxyadenosine (Cladribine) Preferentially Inhibits the Biological Activity of Microglia Cells | Aybar F, Marcora S, Eugenia Samman M, Perez MJ, Pasquini JM, Correale J | P0270 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Jorge Correale | Cladribine to Halt Deterioration in People With Advanced Multiple Sclerosis (ChariotMS) | Lieberman D, Mangat H, Allen- Philby K, Baker D, Barkhof F, Chandran S, Chapman C, Chataway J, Ford H, Giovannoni G, Hobart J, Hooper R, Hussain T, Walker N, Macmanus D, Mihaylova B, Pavitt S | P0196 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: David Lieberman | Predicting Long-term Sustained Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis: Application in the CLARITY Trial | Sharmin S, Bovis F, Sormani MP, Butzkueven H, Kalincik T and the MSBase study group | P0131 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: S Sharmin | A Clinical Data Summary for Cladribine Patients Treated at least 12 Months - A Swedish Nationwide Study of the Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Cladribine (IMSE 10) | Forsberg L, Kågström S, Hillert J, Nilsson P, Dahle C, Svenningsson A, Lycke J, Landtblom AM, Burman J, Martin C, Sundström P, Gunnarsson M, Piehl F, Olsson T | P0276 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: L Forsberg | Impact of Cladribine Tablets on Brain Volume Protection in Highly Active MS | Raji A, Winkler G | P0586 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: A Raji | Early Real-World Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Cladribine Tablets: A Single Center Experience | Bain J, Jones A, Overholt S, Guenette M, Selchen D, Jiwon Oh | P0319 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: J Bain | Switching From Ocrelizumab to Cladribine: Real-world Data | O’Neill DTD, Sharma M, Gonzales B, Vandenheuvel M, Tse B, Hodgkinson SJ | P0399 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: D O’Neill | The Effect of Cladribine Upon Naïve and Activated CD4+ T Regulatory Cells in MS Patients | Verma ND, Al- Atiyah R, O’Neill D, Sharma M, Tran CT, Hall BM, Hodgkinson SJ | P0406 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Suzanne Hodgkinson | Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) Presentations | A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses of Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes in Women with Multiple Sclerosis. IMI2 ConcePTION | Lopez-Leon S, Geissbuehler Y, Sabidó M, Turkson, M, Wahlich C, Morris J | P0278 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Meritxell Sabidó | Post-approval Safety of Subcutaneous Interferon β-1a in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, With Particular Reference to Respiratory Viral Infections | Freedman M S, Guehring H, Murgasova Z, Jack D | P0370 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Mark Freedman | Effect of Neutralizing Antibodies on Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers of Subcutaneous Interferon β-1a in REFLEX and REFLEXION | Freedman MS, Holmberg KH, Fluck M, Hyvert H, Stinchi S, D’Urso V, Dangond F | P0323 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Mark Freedman | Baseline Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels Predict Conversion to McDonald 2005 MS Within 2 yrs of a First Clinical Demyelinating Event in REFLEX | Kuhle J, Leppert D, Comi G, De Stefano N, Kappos L, Freedman MS, Issard D, Roy S | P0032 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Sanjeev Roy | Effect of age on Effectiveness and Discontinuation of Subcutaneous Interferon beta-1a, and Healthcare Utilization, in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis | Sabidó M, Allignol A Marhardt K, Vermersch P, Boutmy EF | P0320 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Patrick Vermersch | Comparing Infection- related Outcomes in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Matched Controls Using Administrative Claims Data | Bove R, Kozma C, Phillips AL, Harlow DE, Lobo C | P0451 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Riley Bove | Assessment of the Effectiveness of a Cognitive Behavioral Program for Fatigue (FACETS +) in 110 French Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RR MS): A randomized, controlled trial (RCT) | Hemelin F, Marie Claire G, Olivier H, Marie B, Frederic B | P1095 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Fanny Hamelin | Impact of Interferon- beta Exposure During Early Pregnancy on Relapse Rate | Tokic M, Thiel S, Litvin N, Ciplea A, Gold R, Hellwig K | P1126 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: M Tokic | Evobrutinib Presentations | Clinical Relapse Rates in Relapsing MS Patients Treated with the BTK Inhibitor Evobrutinib: Results of an Open- Label Extension to Phase II Study | Montalban X, Arnold D L, Weber MS, Staikov I, Piasecka- Stryczynska K, Martin E C, Mandel M, Ona V, Dangond F, Wolinsky JS | P0197 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Fernando Dengond | Safety of the Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Evobrutinib in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis During an Open-label Extension to a Phase II Study | Montalban, X Arnold D L, Weber M S, Staikov I, Piasecka- Stryczynska K, Martin E C, Mandel M, Ona V, Zima Y, Dengond F, Tomic D, Wolinsky JS | P0235 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Fernando Dengond | Effect Of Evobrutinib, a BTK Inhibitor, on Immune Cell and Immunoglobulin Levels in Relapsing MS: An Open-Label Extension to a Phase II Study | Montalban X, Shaw J, Dangond F, Martin EC, Grenningloh R, Ying Li, Weber MS | P0070 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Jamie Shaw | Evobrutinib, a Highly Selective BTK Inhibitor, Prevents Antigen- activation of B Cells and Ameliorates B Cell– mediated Experimenta l Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis | Torke S, Pretzsch R, Häusler D, Grenningloh R, Boschert U, Brück W, Weber MS | P0334 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Sebastian Torke | Expression of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase in B Cell-rich Meningeal Infiltrates in two Models of Progressive MS | Kebir H, Ceja G, Miller MC, Li C, May MJ, Vite CH, Church ME, Grenningloh R, Boschert U, Alvarez JI | P0962 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Kebir Hania | T-bet+ B-cell Development in MS: Association with Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Activity and Targeting by Evobrutinib | Rijvers L, Melief MJ, van Langelaar J, Wierenga-Wolf AF, Marieke van Ham S, Boschert U, Grenningloh R, Smolders J, van Luijn MM | P0403 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Liza Rijvers | The Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Evobrutinib Ameliorates Meningeal Inflammation in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis | Kim S, Boschert U Grenningloh R, Bhargava P | P0404 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Pavan Bhargava | The Validity and Applicability of the PROMIS SF v2.1 - Physical Function (MS) 15a: A new PROMIS® Short Form for Assessing Physical Function in Relapsing and Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Types | Kamudoni P, Amtmann D, Johns J, Cook K, Salem R, Salek S, Raab J, Middleton R, Repovic P, Alschuler KN, von Geldern G, Wundes A, Henke C | P1062 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Paul Kamudoni | The Interpretation and Clinical Application of the PROMIS® SF v1.0 - Fatigue (MS) 8b: A PROMIS Short Form for Assessing Fatigue in Relapsing and Progressive Multiple Sclerosis | Kamudoni P, Johns J, Cook K, Salem R, Henke C, Salek S, Raab J, Middleton R, Repovic P, Alschuler KN, von Geldern G,Wundes A, Amtmann D | P1061 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Paul Kamudoni | General MS Franchise | Identifying Gaps in Knowledge, Skills and Confidence Among MS Specialists to Facilitate Improved MS Care | Schmierer K, Peniuta M, Oh J, Leist T, Lazure P, Péloquin S | P1100 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Klaus Schmierer | An Investigation Into the Role and Impact That Carers Play in Consultations Between Healthcare Professionals and People With MS | Langdon D, Sumelahti M L, Potra S, Alroughani R, on behalf of the MS in the 21st Century initiative, Verdun Di Cantogno E | P1006 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Dawn Langdon | Characterization of Age- related Changes in Circulating T cells in Multiple Sclerosis and Normal Controls: A Pilot Study | Zuroff LR, Li R, Shinoda K, Rezk A, Bar-Or A | P0952 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: LR Zuroff | Treatment and Care Management, Clinical Outcomes and Mobility Impairment in People With or Without MS Aged ≥50 Years: Observational 6-year Analysis | Freeman L, Lucas A, Zhou J, Hayward B, Livingston T | P0176 | Session: ePoster Date: September 11- 13, 2020 Time: Available from 9am ET on September 11, 2020 Presenter: Terrie Livingston | About MAVENCLAD® MAVENCLAD, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 29, 2019, is the first and only short-course oral therapy for the treatment of adults with relapsing-remitting disease (RRMS) and active secondary progressive disease (SPMS). Because of its safety profile, use of MAVENCLAD is generally recommended for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, an alternate drug indicated for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), and MAVENCLAD is not recommended for use in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Patients should follow healthcare provider instructions including cancer screening, contraception and blood tests. The approved dose of MAVENCLAD is 3.5 mg per kg body weight over two years, administered as one treatment course of 1.75 mg per kg per year, each consisting of two treatment weeks. The mechanism by which cladribine exerts its therapeutic effects in patients with multiple sclerosis has not been fully elucidated but is thought to involve cytotoxic effects on B and T lymphocytes through impairment of DNA synthesis, resulting in depletion of lymphocytes. MAVENCLAD causes a dose-dependent reduction in lymphocyte counts followed by recovery. Because cladribine is cytotoxic, special handling and disposal instructions should be followed. MAVENCLAD has been approved in 79 countries, including the European Union (EU), Canada, Australia and Switzerland, for various relapsing MS indications. Visit www.MAVENCLAD.com for more information. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION BOXED WARNING: MALIGNANCIES and RISK OF TERATOGENICITY - Treatment with MAVENCLAD may increase the risk of malignancy. MAVENCLAD is contraindicated in patients with current malignancy; evaluate the benefits and risks of the use of MAVENCLAD on an individual patient basis for patients with prior or increased risk of malignancy.
- MAVENCLAD is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm.
CONTRAINDICATIONS - Current malignancy.
- Pregnancy, and women and men of reproductive potential who do not plan to use effective contraception during MAVENCLAD dosing and for 6 m after the last dose in each treatment course.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Active chronic infections (e.g., hepatitis or tuberculosis).
- History of hypersensitivity to cladribine.
- Breastfeeding while taking MAVENCLAD and for 10 days after the last dose.
DOSING CONSIDERATIONS: After the completion of 2 treatment courses, do not administer additional MAVENCLAD during the next 2 years. The risk of malignancy with reinitiating MAVENCLAD more than 2 years after completion of 2 treatment courses has not been studied. ADDITIONAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS - Lymphopenia: In clinical studies, 87% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients experienced lymphopenia. Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with hematotoxic drugs may increase the risk of adverse reactions because of the additive hematological effects. Monitor lymphocyte counts before and during treatment, periodically thereafter, and when clinically indicated.
- Infections: Infections occurred in 49% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients compared to 44% of patients treated with placebo in clinical studies. The most frequent serious infections included herpes zoster and pyelonephritis. Single fatal cases of tuberculosis and fulminant hepatitis B were reported in the clinical program. Administer live-attenuated or live vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting MAVENCLAD. Screen patients for latent infections; consider delaying treatment until infection is fully controlled. Vaccinate patients antibody-negative to varicella zoster virus prior to treatment. Monitor for infections. Administer anti-herpes prophylaxis in patients with lymphocyte counts less than 200 cells per microliter. In patients treated with parenteral cladribine for oncologic indications, cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been reported. No case of PML has been reported in clinical studies of cladribine in patients with MS.
- Hematologic Toxicity: Mild to moderate decreases in neutrophil counts, hemoglobin levels, and platelet counts were observed. Severe decreases in neutrophil counts were observed in 3.6% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 2.8% of placebo patients. Obtain complete blood count (CBC) with differential including lymphocyte count before and during treatment, periodically thereafter, and when clinically indicated.
- Risk of Graft-versus-Host Disease With Blood Transfusions: Irradiation of cellular blood components is recommended.
- Liver Injury: Obtain liver function tests prior to treatment. Discontinue MAVENCLAD if significant injury is suspected.
- Hypersensitivity: In clinical studies, 11% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients had hypersensitivity reactions, compared to 7% of placebo patients. Serious hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 0.5% of MAVENCLAD-treated patients, compared to 0.1% of placebo patients. If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue treatment. Do not use MAVENCLAD in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cladribine.
- Cardiac Failure: In clinical studies, one MAVENCLAD-treated patient experienced life-threatening acute cardiac failure with myocarditis, which improved after approximately one week. Cases of cardiac failure have also been reported with parenteral cladribine used for treatment indications other than multiple sclerosis.
Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions with an incidence of >20% for MAVENCLAD are upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and lymphopenia. Drug Interactions/Concomitant Medication: Concomitant use of MAVENCLAD with immunosuppressive or myelosuppressive drugs and some immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., interferon beta) is not recommended and may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Avoid concomitant use of certain antiviral and antiretroviral drugs. Avoid concomitant use of BCRP or ENT/CNT inhibitors as they may alter bioavailability of MAVENCLAD. Please see the full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING for additional information. About Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. It is used to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Rebif is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, human albumin, or any other component of the formulation. Rebif should be used with caution in patients with depression, a condition that is common in people with multiple sclerosis. Depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts have been reported to occur with increased frequency in patients receiving interferon compounds, including Rebif. Severe liver injury, including some cases of hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation, has been reported rarely in patients taking Rebif. The potential for liver injury should be considered when used in combination with other products associated with liver injury. Monitor liver function tests and patients for signs and symptoms of hepatic injury. Consider discontinuing Rebif if hepatic injury occurs. Anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions (some severe) have been reported as a rare complication of Rebif. Discontinue Rebif if anaphylaxis occurs. In controlled clinical trials, injection site reactions occurred more frequently in Rebif-treated patients than in placebo-treated and Avonex-treated patients. Injection site reactions including injection site pain, erythema, edema, cellulitis, abscess, and necrosis have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Do not administer Rebif into affected area until fully healed; if multiple lesions occur, discontinue Rebif until skin lesions are healed. Decreased peripheral blood counts in all cell lines, including pancytopenia, have been reported in Rebif-treated patients. In controlled clinical trials, leukopenia occurred at a higher frequency in Rebif-treated patients than in placebo and Avonex-treated patients. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occurred more frequently in 44 mcg Rebif-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. Patients should be monitored for symptoms or signs of decreased blood counts. Monitoring of complete blood and differential white blood cell counts is also recommended. Cases of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), some fatal, have been reported with interferon beta products, including Rebif, up to several weeks or years after starting therapy. Discontinue Rebif if clinical symptoms and laboratory findings consistent with TMA occur, and manage as clinically indicated. Caution should be exercised when administering Rebif to patients with pre-existing seizure disorders. Seizures have been temporally associated with the use of beta interferons, including Rebif, in clinical trials and in postmarketing reports. The most common side effects with Rebif are injection-site disorders, headaches, influenza-like symptoms, abdominal pain, depression, elevated liver enzymes, and hematologic abnormalities. Epidemiological data do not suggest a clear relationship between interferon beta use and major congenital malformations, but interferon beta may cause fetal harm based on animal studies. Data from a large human population-based cohort study, as well as other published studies over several decades, have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects with interferon beta products during early pregnancy. Findings regarding a potential risk for low birth weight or miscarriage with the use of interferon beta products in pregnancy have been inconsistent. Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional information: https://www.emdserono.com/us-en/pi/rebif-pi.pdf About Evobrutinib Evobrutinib (M2951) is in clinical development to investigate its potential as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). It is an oral, highly selective inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) which is important in the development and functioning of various immune cells including B lymphocytes and macrophages. Evobrutinib is designed to inhibit primary B cell responses such as proliferation and antibody and cytokine release, without directly affecting T cells. BTK inhibition is thought to suppress autoantibody-producing cells, which preclinical research suggests may be therapeutically useful in certain autoimmune diseases. Evobrutinib is currently under clinical investigation and not approved for any use anywhere in the world. About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system and is the most common non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people have MS worldwide. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common. EMD Serono, Inc. and Multiple Sclerosis For more than 20 years, EMD Serono has been relentlessly focused on understanding the journey people living with MS face in order to create a meaningful, positive experience for them and the broader MS community. However, there is still much that is unknown about this complex and unpredictable disease. EMD Serono is digging deeper to advance the science. About EMD Serono, Inc. EMD Serono - the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the U.S. and Canada - is engaged in the discovery, research and development of medicines for patients with difficult to treat diseases. The business is committed to transforming lives by developing and delivering meaningful solutions that help address the therapeutic and support needs of individual patients. Building on a proven legacy and deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, EMD Serono is developing potential new oncology and immuno-oncology medicines while continuing to explore potential therapeutic options for diseases such as psoriasis, lupus and MS. Today, the business has approximately 1,500 employees around the country with commercial, clinical and research operations based in the company’s home state of Massachusetts. www.emdserono.com. Your Contact emma.silva@emdserono.com 1-781-206-1951 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emd-serono-to-showcase-new-data-at-actrims-ectrims-msvirtual2020-meeting-furthering-innovation-in-multiple-sclerosis-301123847.html SOURCE EMD Serono | |