Efficacy

Zeposia (Ozanimod) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Zeposia (ozanimod) is an oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. As a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, ozanimod works by trapping certain white blood cells in lymph nodes, thus reducing their migration to the central nervous system where they could potentially cause nerve damage. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Zeposia can reduce the annual relapse rate and slow the progression of disability in individuals with relapsing forms of MS.

The efficacy of Zeposia was established in the SUNBEAM and RADIANCE Part B clinical trials, which compared ozanimod to interferon beta-1a, a commonly used MS medication. Results showed that Zeposia significantly reduced the annual relapse rate over the course of the trials. Additionally, the number of new or enlarging T2 and gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI scans was significantly lower in patients treated with ozanimod compared to those receiving interferon beta-1a. These findings suggest that Zeposia is an effective treatment option for reducing disease activity in relapsing MS.

Ponvory (Ponesimod) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Ponvory (ponesimod) is another oral sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, which include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. Similar to ozanimod, ponesimod functions by sequestering lymphocytes in lymph nodes, thereby reducing their impact on the central nervous system. Clinical studies have shown that Ponvory can lead to a reduction in the annual relapse rate and may also have a positive effect on imaging markers of inflammatory activity.

The pivotal OPTIMUM study was a phase 3 trial that compared the efficacy of ponesimod to teriflunomide, another MS medication. The trial demonstrated that ponesimod significantly reduced the annual relapse rate in patients with relapsing MS compared to teriflunomide. Furthermore, ponesimod was more effective in reducing the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions and gadolinium-enhancing lesions as seen on MRI. These results indicate that Ponvory is an effective option for managing relapses and neuroinflammation in patients with relapsing forms of MS.