Introduction
Natalizumab, a therapy for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), is associated with a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Over the last several years, practitioners have used off-label extended interval dosing (EID) of natalizumab to reduce PML risk, despite the absence of a large-scale efficacy evaluation.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, multicenter cohort study among adults with RRMS receiving stable standard interval dosing (SID), defined as a ≥ 12-month consecutive period of ≥ 11 natalizumab infusions/year in France. We compared the 12-month risk difference of remaining relapse-free (primary endpoint) between patients who switched to EID (≤ 9 natalizumab infusions) and those who remained on SID, with a noninferiority margin of − 11%. We used propensity score methods such as inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Secondary endpoints were annualized relapse rate, disease progression, and safety.
Results
Baseline characteristics were similar between patients receiving EID (
n
= 147) and SID (
n
= 156). The proportion of relapse-free patients 12 months postbaseline was 142/147 in the EID (96.6%) and 144/156 in the SID group (92.3%); risk difference (95% CI) 4.3% (− 1.3 to 9.8%);
p
< 0.001 for non-inferiority. There were no significant differences between relapse rates (0.043 vs. 0.083 per year, respectively;
p
= 0.14) or Expanded Disability Status Scale mean scores (2.43 vs. 2.72, respectively;
p
= 0.18); anti-JC virus index values were similar (
p
= 0.23); and no instances of PML were reported. The comparisons using IPTW (
n
= 306) and PSM (
n
= 204) were consistent.
Conclusion
These results support the pertinence of using an EID strategy for RRMS patients treated with natalizumab.
Clinical Trials
gov identifier (NCT04580381).
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40120-023-00440-5.
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