Transition from anti-CD20 therapies to fumarates as a treatment strategy: A multicenter, retrospective observational experience.
Brandi L Vollmer, Tammy Hoyt, Timothy W West, Josef Gutman, Monica Benitez, Evan L Riddle, James B Lewin, Jason P Mendoza, Enrique Alvarez
Abstract
Open AccessWe present real-world data on patients switching from anti-CD20s to fumarates for various motivations in this retrospective observational study of 43 patients from three multiple sclerosis centers. Recurrent infections on anti-CD20s were the most common reason for switching to fumarates. Patients experienced limited disease activity on fumarates (83.7% were free from relapse and new MRI lesions), suggesting effectiveness was maintained. Of the 16.3% with disease activity on fumarates, 57.1% also had disease activity on anti-CD20s. Tolerability was the main reason for discontinuing fumarates. Future studies will provide additional insight into how to effectively and safely transition from anti-CD20s to fumarates.