Efficacy

Mavenclad (Cladribine) Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis

Mavenclad (cladribine) is an oral medication approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) in adults. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Mavenclad in reducing the frequency of relapses and slowing the progression of disability in individuals with MS. In pivotal studies such as the CLARITY trial, patients treated with cladribine showed a significant reduction in annualized relapse rate (ARR) compared to those who received a placebo. Additionally, Mavenclad was associated with a reduction in the number of lesions visible on MRI scans, which are indicative of disease activity.

Another important measure of efficacy for MS treatments is the time to disability progression. Mavenclad has been shown to increase the time to progression of sustained disability, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). This suggests that the drug not only reduces the frequency of relapses but may also help in maintaining physical function over time. However, it is important to note that the response to treatment can vary among individuals, and long-term data on the efficacy of Mavenclad is still being gathered.

Fampyra (Fampridine) Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis

Fampyra (fampridine), known as Ampyra in the United States, is a medication used to improve walking in patients with MS. Fampridine is a potassium channel blocker that enhances nerve signal conduction in damaged nerves. Clinical trials have shown that fampridine can increase walking speed in some individuals with MS. The efficacy of Fampyra was primarily demonstrated in the MS-F203 and MS-F204 phase III clinical trials, where a significantly greater proportion of patients on fampridine had a consistent improvement in walking speed compared to those on placebo.

While Fampyra has been shown to be effective in improving walking speed, it is important to recognize that not all patients with MS will experience this benefit. The drug's efficacy varies among individuals, and it is typically assessed through a walking test to determine whether a patient is responsive to the treatment. For those who do respond, Fampyra can contribute to an improved quality of life by enhancing mobility. However, it does not alter the course of the disease or reduce the frequency of MS relapses.