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Persistence with dimethyl fumarate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a population-based cohort study

Irene Eriksson1,2, Thomas Cars3, Fredrik Piehl4

  • 1Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. irene.eriksson@ki.se.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|November 13, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) showed rapid uptake but low persistence in multiple sclerosis patients. Many patients discontinued or switched treatments within two years, indicating challenges in long-term DMF use.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology
  • Real-world evidence

Background:

  • Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Understanding its real-world effectiveness and patient persistence is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe patients initiating DMF and measure persistence.
  • To assess discontinuation and switching rates in DMF-treated patients.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based cohort study in Stockholm County.
  • Data from a regional healthcare and drug utilization database.
  • Measured persistence, discontinuation, and switching of DMF.

Main Results:

  • 400 patients initiated DMF; 61% had prior DMTs.
  • 31% discontinued DMF, 29% switched treatments.
  • Only 43% remained on DMF at 2 years; 34% stopped within 1 year.

Conclusions:

  • DMF experienced rapid market uptake.
  • Real-world persistence with DMF was low, despite initial expectations.
Keywords:
Dimethyl fumarateDrug utilizationMultiple sclerosis, relapsing-remittingPersistence

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