Dr. Stephen Krieger: “No Surprises with Tysabri-Tecfidera Switch”
Discontinuation rates after switching from natalizumab (Tysabri) to dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the real-world setting were generally similar to those seen in clinical trials, according to two posters presented here. A single-center study had discontinuation rates of about 26% after 1 year. Researchers found that the risk of relapse 1 year after starting the new therapy was lower in patients who had a washout duration of 90 days or less, compared with those who waited more than 90 days to get back on therapy (16% versus 33%). "If you have a longer washout, that gives the disease time to flare up," explained Stephen Krieger, MD, of The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, who was not involved in the study. "You want to have a shorter washout, and our target is about 1 month." Learn more