Impact of Ublituximab for Patients With Relapsing MS: Lawrence Steinman, MD

WATCH TIME: 4 minutes

“It's a little beyond my role as a global investigator to talk about price points, but I think that having grown up in my father's neighborhood pharmacy, competition is usually a good sign. We'll see what happens, as they say, but I think it will be a benefit to individuals with MS.”

Recently presented findings at the 37th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), October 13-15, outlined findings from 2 identical, independent active-controlled trials, ULTIMATE 1 and 2 (NCT03277261; NCT03277248), which evaluated the use of ublituximab (TG Therapeutics) in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Lawrence Steinman, MD, Zimmermann Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, and Pediatrics at Stanford University, spoke with NeurologyLive to discuss trial results, both having met their primary end point of significantly reducing annualized relapse rate and MRI parameters over a 96-week period, when compared to teriflunomide (Aubagio; Sanofi). In particular, Steinman commented on the aspect of competition within the MS space, adding that if successful, ublituximab may help to increase this panel of competing drugs, benefitting those with MS from an economic standpoint.

Steinman also commented on next steps, which will include ublituximab being reviewed by regulatory authorities that will further evaluate the resiliency of patients’ immune systems following treatment. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, further investigation is necessary to determine how patients will fare following immunization for SARS-CoV-2.

For more coverage of ECTRIMS 2021, click here.

REFERENCES

1. TG Therapeutics submits biologics license application to the US Food and Drug Administration for ublituximab as a treatment for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. News release. TG Therapeutics, Inc. September 30, 2021. Accessed October 18, 2021. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/09/30/2306091/8790/en/TG-Therapeutics-Submits-Biologics-License-Application-to-the-U-S-Food-and-Drug-Administration-for-Ublituximab-as-a-Treatment-for-Patients-with-Relapsing-Forms-of-Multiple-Sclerosis.html
2. Steinman L, Alvarez E, Fox E, et al. Ublitiximab is associated with significant improvement in the multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC): results from the phase 3 ULTIMATE 1 & 2 studies. Presented at ECTRIMS 2021; October 13-15; Virtual. Poster P932.