Novartis announced new data from the Phase 3 ASCLEPIOS I/II trials and the ALITHIOS open-label extension showing continuous treatment with Kesimpta (ofatumumab) significantly increased the odds of achieving no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) versus switching from teriflunomide1.

These data show that after four years of treatment, 78.8% of those who continuously received Kesimpta achieved NEDA-3 (defined as having no MS relapses, no disability worsening and no MRI activity) versus only 51.8% of those who switched from teriflunomide to Kesimpta in the extension phase (odds ratio: 3.89; p<0.001)1.

These data build on the previously presented efficacy data from ASCLEPIOS I/II and ALITHIOS showing sustained differences in cumulative relapses, MRI lesion activity and the risk of disability worsening between those who were continuously treated with Kesimpta versus those who switched at a later date.

“Early initiation of high-efficacy therapies for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis has been shown to improve long-term outcomes versus escalating from lower efficacy therapies,” said Professor Ludwig Kappos, University Hospital Basel. “NEDA-3 is an important endpoint for physicians to consider when deciding to initiate high efficacy therapy, with this latest data from ALITHIOS we can clearly see the benefit of starting Kesimpta early versus switching to it later from teriflunomide.”