Composite Endpoint Analyses for Alemtuzumab and for Cladribine in Multiple Sclerosis: Two Reports

In a previous phase II trial of alemtuzumab, researchers reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients had a 74% lower relapse rate and a 71% lower risk for sustained disability if they had received intravenous alemtuzumab versus the active comparator of interferon beta-1a three times per week subcutaneously (N Engl J Med 2008; 359:1786). In a new post hoc analysis involving 322 participants at 3 years, those treated with alemtuzumab compared with those receiving interferon were more likely to be free from clinical disease activity (no relapses and no sustained disability; 72% vs. 43%) and to have had a sustained reduction in disability (a ≥1-point improvement lasting 6 months on the Expanded Disability Status Scale; 52% vs. 27%). Baseline…