COVID-19 Infection in Fingolimod- or Siponimod-Treated Patients: Case Series. Issue 1 (30th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sullivan, Roseanne; Kilaru, Ajay; Hemmer, Bernhard; Campbell Cree, Bruce Anthony; Greenberg, Benjamin M.; Kundu, Uma; Hach, Thomas; DeLasHeras, Virginia; Ward, Brian J.; Berger, Joseph
• Is Part Of: Neurology. Volume 9:Issue 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-30
• Subjects: Neuroimmunology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000001092
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2332-7812

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Objectives: A descriptive analysis of COVID-19 infection in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving fingolimod or siponimod. Methods: We reviewed the cases of COVID-19 from postmarketing or ongoing clinical trials reported to Novartis through December 27, 2020. Results: As of December 27, 2020, 283 cases had been reported in fingolimod-treated patients. The mean age was 44 years (from n = 224; range 11–69 years), and 190 were women. Of 161 cases with available information, 138 were asymptomatic (6), mild (100), or moderate (32); 50 cases required hospitalization. At the last follow-up, 140 patients were reported as recovered/recovering, condition was unchanged in 22, and deteriorated in 3 patients; 4 patients had a fatal outcome. Information was not available for 114 patients. Of the 54 cases of COVID-19 reported in siponimod-treated patients, 45 were from the postmarketing setting and 9 from an ongoing open-label clinical trial. The mean age was 54 years (from n = 45; range 31–70), and 30 were women. Of 28 cases with available information, 24 were asymptomatic (2), mild (17), or moderate (5); 9 cases required hospitalization. At the last follow-up, 27 patients were reported as recovered/recovering, condition remained unchanged for 1, and 3 patients had a fatal outcome. Information was not available for 23 patients. Discussion: Based on a review of available information, the risk of more severe COVID-19 in patients receiving fingolimod or siponimod seems to be similar to that reported in the general population and the MS population with COVID-19. However, limitations of spontaneous reporting, especially missing data, should be considered in the interpretation of these observations.