Novartis Unveils Long-Term Benefits of Kesimpta for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Novartis unveiled promising data on 18th September from the ALITHIOS open-label extension study, showing that patients newly diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) who received Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) for up to six years experienced less disability and slower disease progression compared to those switching from teriflunomide. The study, which focuses on individuals diagnosed within the past three years and treatment-naïve (RDTN), highlighted Kesimpta's superiority in reducing disease activity.

In a separate U.S.-based Phase IIIb OLIKOS study, clinically stable RMS patients who transitioned from intravenous (IV) anti-CD20 therapy to Kesimpta showed no new gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions—a marker of disease activity—after 12 months. Both datasets will be presented at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2024 Annual Meeting in Copenhagen this September.

Dr. Norman Putzki, Global Development Unit Head at Novartis, emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance treatment options for RMS patients by focusing on efficacy and safety. Lead investigator Dr. Amit Bar-Or supported early Kesimpta adoption for newly diagnosed patients, as the study indicated fewer disability-worsening events.

While continuous Kesimpta treatment yielded better results in both disability and progression-independent relapse activities, researchers noted some limitations, including potential bias due to the study’s open-label design.

About Multiple Sclerosis: MS is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system affecting nearly 3 million people globally. Kesimpta, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, offers a targeted and flexible treatment option with self-administration capabilities.

Novartis has been pioneering neurological treatments for over 80 years and continues to lead advancements in multiple sclerosis care.