Treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis who have a suboptimal response to interferon-β therapy

Although the first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) interferon beta and glatiramer acetate have a favourable benefit-to-risk profile, they are only partially effective for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The optimization of treatment in patients who do not show a maximum response to first-line therapy is critical for achieving the best long-term outcomes. Treatment strategies for patients with a suboptimal response include switching to another first-line DMT or a second-line DMT. Natalizumab and fingolimod are approved for RRMS with high disease activity in the European Union and Canada.

A comprehensive literature search for articles published between 1990 and April 2012 was undertaken.

This review discusses key clinical and safety data for fingolimod and natalizumab, particularly in the patient subgroups for whom these treatments are approved. Benefit-to-risk profiles, including first-dose cardiovascular effects associated with fingolimod and the risk of progressive multifocal encephalopathy with natalizumab, are discussed.

A descriptive comparison of fingolimod and natalizumab is provided in the context of the decision-making process of how and when to switch patients who have a suboptimal response to first-line therapy.