At Merck, we are proud to be supporting the MS community with over 25 years of research dedicated to advancing MS care and improving the lives of those living with MS. We are excited to exchange knowledge across the MS community and share data from the latest clinical studies and analysis of real-world data.
This year, we will be providing several opportunities to discuss and explore the role of immune reconstitution therapies (IRTs) in optimizing treatment for MS. Our medical symposium on Wednesday September 18 at 13:00-14:00 PM CEST in the D3 Theatre will be chaired by Sven Meuth, who along with MS experts Jacqueline Nicholas, Heidi Crayton and Izanne Roos will discuss the role of IRTs in early intervention, long-term management of MS, and its impact on clinical measures important to patients. Click here to add this session to your calendar.
You can also visit us at the Merck exhibition booth to hear more about the differences in high-efficacy therapies (HETs), assessing MS progression beyond traditional measures, and balancing symptom management with treatment burden at our education stations.
Progress in the understanding of MS pathological processes has informed improved treatment strategies. Neurodegeneration can occur early in disease progression, leading to sub-clinical impairment such as cognitive decline prior to clinical symptoms;[1],[2] therefore, early intervention may reduce the risk of neuronal damage.[2],[3] Supporting this, data indicates that therapies received earlier versus later have been associated with better long-term patient outcomes.[2],[4]
Current high efficacy treatments (HETs) for MS include chronic immunosuppressive and immune reconstitution therapies (IRTs), which impact the immune system in varying ways. Chronic immunosuppressive therapies maintain efficacy only during the active dosing period, and prolonged immune suppression can lead to an increased risk of infections and a reduced response to vaccines.[5],[6] In contrast, IRTs show sustained efficacy beyond the active dosing period.[6] Immunosuppression occurs during the short dosing period and is followed by a treatment-free period of immune cell reconstitution. This leads to initial reduction of immune cells; however, post-reconstitution, protective immune response including response to vaccines is restored.[5],[7] Treatment burden for patients can also impact treatment decisions;[8] hence, the safety profile, dosing regimen and monitoring requirements of a treatment should be evaluated as a whole when considering treatment strategies.
Valuable insights from real-world data can also inform clinical practice for MS patient populations less represented in clinical trials. People over 50 years of age have a high prevalence of MS9 and these patients differ in treatment response and immune function compared to those aged under 50; [10],[11] therefore, additional considerations apply when making treatment decisions for these patients. Evaluating efficacy and safety profiles of different drug-modifying therapies for this population are imperative for optimizing treatment.
We look forward to connecting with you at ECTRIMS 2024 to foster a deeper understanding of the different treatment modalities in MS.
Stay in the loop with all of Merck’s medical activities at ECTRIMS 2024, here on the Merck at ECTRIMS microsite!
References
[1] Oh J et al. Mult Scler 2021;27:2199–208
[2] Singer BA et al. J Neurol 2024;271:3116–3130
[3] He A et al. Lancet Neurol 2020;19:307–16
[4] Freeman L el at. CNS Drugs 2022;36:1285-1299
[5] Giovannoni G. Curr Opin Neurol 2018;31:233–43
[6] Sorenson PS and Sellebjerg F. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019;12:1-16
[7] Giovannoni G and Matthews J. Neurol Ther 2022;11:571-595
[8] Giovannoni G et al. Mul Scler Relat Disord 2016;9:S5-S48
[9] Hittle M et al. JAMA Neurol 2023;80:693–701
[10] Macaron G et al. Front Neurol. 2023;14:1197212
[11] Grebenciucova E et al. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2017;17:61
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GL-NONNI-01926 | August 2024