NEDA-3 using cladribine for multiple sclerosis: effectiveness data from a Norwegian hospital

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cladribine is an immunomodulatory drug used for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Limited observational studies exist on cladribine's real-world effectiveness.
• Evaluating cladribine's impact on disease activity is crucial for MS management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of cladribine in MS patients using the No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA-3) criteria.
• To analyze NEDA-3 achievement over time in a cohort of MS patients treated with cladribine.
• To identify factors associated with achieving NEDA-3.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 60 MS patients treated with cladribine from April 2018 to September 2024.
• Assessment of NEDA-3 status at 1, 2, and 3 years post-treatment initiation.
• Analysis of patient demographics, prior treatments, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• 60% of patients achieved NEDA-3 at 1 year, 40% at 2 years, and 33% at 3 years.
• Older age at MS onset and being treatment-naïve were associated with achieving NEDA-3 at 2 years.
• Mild to moderate adverse events occurred in 21.7% of patients, with low rates of severe events.

Conclusions:

• Approximately one-third of MS patients achieve NEDA-3 three years after starting cladribine.
• Treatment-naïve patients demonstrate superior outcomes with cladribine therapy.
• Cladribine's safety profile and dosing support adherence and disease stability in MS.