Teriflunomide: A Review in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Teriflunomide is an oral immunomodulatory drug targeting dihydro-orotate dehydrogenase.
• It inhibits de novo pyrimidine synthesis, reducing lymphocyte proliferation.
• It is used for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral teriflunomide in patients with relapsing MS.
• To assess long-term treatment outcomes and safety signals.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world data.
• Comparison of teriflunomide efficacy against placebo (TEMSO, TOWER) and interferon β-1a (TENERE).
• Assessment of clinical outcomes and MRI-assessed disease activity.

Main Results:

• Teriflunomide demonstrated significantly better efficacy than placebo in pivotal RCTs.
• It showed comparable efficacy to interferon β-1a.
• Long-term treatment (≥10 years) maintained benefits without new safety concerns.
• Reduced annualized relapse rates and prevention of disability progression were observed.

Conclusions:

• Oral teriflunomide is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
• It offers sustained efficacy and safety during long-term use.
• Its convenient oral administration makes it a valuable option for MS management.