EAN 2021 | Real-world comparison of natalizumab exit strategies in patients with RRMS

Aurora Zanghì, MD, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, shares the findings of a multicenter real-world comparison study assessing exit strategies in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with natalizumab. Ocrelizumab, rituximab and cladribine were all evaluated for safety and efficacy as a natalizumab exit strategy for patients with stable disease at high risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The analysis demonstrated that patients on ocrelizumab had a lower risk of annualized relapse compared to those receiving cladribine, as well as superior 12-month magnetic resonance imaging outcomes. No differences were found when comparing rituximab outcomes to ocrelizumab and cladribine. This suggests anti-CD20 therapies are an effective option as natalizumab exit strategies. This interview took place during the European Academy of Neurology 2021 congress.