Monoclonal antibody therapy effective, safe in NMOSD treatment

A meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies, including eituximab, eculizumab, inebilizumab, satralizumab), in the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Researchers utilized MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and clinicaltrials.gov databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which had assessed the therapy of monoclonal antibody in patients with NMOSD.

Monoclonal antibody therapy was found to reduce annualized relapse rate, on-trial relapse risk, expanded disability status scale score, and serious adverse events. No significant difference in total adverse events or mortality was noted.

In a subgroup analysis comparing monoclonal antibodies, eculizumab was found to be potentially more effective in decreasing on-trial relapse risk for AQP-4 positive patients.

Reference

Xue T, Yang Y, Lu Q, Gao B, Chen Z, Wang Z. Efficacy and Safety of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 11]. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2020;43:102166. doi:10.1016/j.msard.2020.102166