Ponesimod in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Ponesimod, a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 modulator, was approved by the FDA on March 18, 2021, for use in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). In this industry-sponsored, international, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 study, researchers evaluated 20 mg daily of ponesimod versus 14 mg daily of teriflunomide (both oral) for 108 weeks in 1133 patients with active relapsing MS.

Annualized relapse rate was reduced by 30.5% and combined unique active lesions were reduced by 56% with ponesimod compared with teriflunomide. Confirmed disability worsening was similar between the two treatment arms. Brain volume loss and no evidence of disease activity favored ponesimod. The most common adverse events were elevated …