Safety of multiple sclerosis treatment in the long term in relation to teriflunomide and alemtuzumab

Abstract

The view of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment has changed substantially in the recent years. In addition to first-choice drugs that include interferons beta, glatiramer acetate, and teriflunomide, a number of novel, very effective agents with a different mechanism of action are available. Long-term clinical data of more than 20 years confirm that treatment with interferons and glatiramer acetate is safe and not associated with serious adverse effects. However, a certain proportion of patients treated with first-choice drugs exhibit an insufficient therapeutic response. In such a case, treatment escalation is indicated. The first drug to have been approved for monotherapy of relapsing-remitting MS was natalizumab in 2006, followed by fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, and cladribine. With the advent of these highly effective drugs, the question currently arises of a new treatment paradigm and the use of these drugs in the first line already – this is referred to as immune reconstitution therapy. Unfortunately, the treatment is accompanied by numerous adverse, potentially severe effects associated with a long-term interference of the immune system, immune depletion, and/or other serious adverse effects. As a result, the choice of treatment in every single patient must be assessed individually taking into account the efficacy leading to decreased disease activity, tolerance, adherence, interference of the immune system, and safety in both the long and short term. The treatment plan must always take into consideration the benefit and potential risks of treatment.