Ponesimod Reduced Relapse Rate and Decreased Fatigue-Related Symptoms

In the OPTIMUM trial (NCT02425644), adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treated with ponesimod (Janssen Pharmaceuticals,Titusville, NJ) had decreased annualized rates of relapse (ARRs). In addition, those treated with ponesimod had reductions in fatigue-related symptoms of MS.   

Ponesimod is a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) modulator which functionally inhibits S1P activity and reduces circulating lymphocytes by trapping them in the lymph nodes. Because of this, fewer inflammatory cells cross into the central nervous system, where they could damage myelin. 

The study also evaluated other secondary endpoints: cumulative number of combined unique active lesions based on MRI, time to first 12-week confirmed disability accumulation (CDA), and time to first 24-week CDA from baseline to end of the study

The OPTIMUM trial was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study that compared ponesimod 20 mg to teriflunomide (Aubagio; Sanofi Genzyme, Cambridge, MA) 14 mg in adults with relapsing MS. The study included 1,133 participants with a treatment duration of 108 weeks.