Impact of Switching to Fingolimod Versus Injectable Disease-Modifying Therapy Cycling on Risk of Multiple Sclerosis–Related Relapses

Abstract

Background: Clinical and real-world studies have shown significant reductions in multiple sclerosis(MS) relapses with fingolimod versus injectable disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Multiple sclerosis relapse rate and incidence were compared in patients switching from an injectable DMT to fingolimod and those cycling from one injectable DMT to another or remaining on their original injectable DMT. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed using Commercial and Medicare Supplemental claims data (July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2016) of adults with MS receiving ≥1 injectable DMT. Relapses were identified from MS-related hospitalization, outpatient emergency department or office visit, and corticosteroid administration. Annualized relapse rate ratio was estimated. Results: Of 16,352 patients, 1110 were switchers to fingolimod, 908 were injectable DMT cyclers, and 14,334 were nonswitchers. At baseline, rate and incidence of MS relapses were higher in switchers and injectable DMT cyclers versus nonswitchers (P