Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.

The condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, resulting in communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. There is currently no cure for MS, but various treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and manage the symptoms.

The Study

In 2020, results from a Genzyme-sponsored study were released, showing encouraging findings in a new drug treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

The medication, called ozanimod, was tested in a phase 3 clinical trial involving over 1,200 patients from 147 sites worldwide. The study aimed to evaluate the drug’s effectiveness in reducing the frequency of relapses compared to a placebo.

Results

The study found that ozanimod significantly reduced the rate of MS relapses compared to the placebo. Patients receiving the drug had a 38% lower risk of experiencing a relapse than those on the placebo.

Over 64 weeks, 47% of patients receiving ozanimod remained relapse-free, compared to only 25% of those on the placebo.

Treatment Effects

The drug also showed significant effects on other measures of disease activity. Patients receiving ozanimod had a 34% lower risk of experiencing a new or enlarging lesion in their brain or spinal cord, compared to those receiving a placebo.

Additionally, the drug significantly slowed the loss of brain volume, which is a common sign of MS progression.

Safety of Treatment

The study also evaluated the safety and tolerability of ozanimod. The drug was generally well-tolerated, with the side effects reported being mild to moderate in severity.

The most common side effects observed in patients taking the drug were headaches, upper respiratory tract infections, and abnormal liver function tests. No serious adverse events related to the use of the drug were reported.

Future of Treatment

The positive results of the ozanimod study have given hope for a new treatment option for patients with RRMS. The drug has been submitted for regulatory approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies worldwide.

If approved, ozanimod could become a valuable addition to the existing range of medications for MS treatment.

Conclusion

The Genzyme-sponsored study on ozanimod has provided encouraging findings for a new multiple sclerosis treatment.

The drug has shown significant efficacy in reducing relapse rates and other measures of disease activity, while also having an acceptable safety profile. The results of the study offer hope for a new therapeutic option for people living with RRMS.