Oral fingolimod more effective than intramuscular interferon in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

Oral fingolimod is a sphingosine-1-phosphate–receptor modulator that prevents the egress of lymphocytes from lymph nodes.

In patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, oral fingolimod was more effective than intramuscular interferon beta-1a in reducing relapse rates.

Adverse events in the fingolimod group included:

- herpesvirus infections (two fatal infections)
- atrioventricular block
- macular edema
- skin cancer
- liver-enzyme elevation

This trial showed the superior efficacy of oral fingolimod with respect to relapse rates and MRI outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis, as compared with intramuscular interferon beta-1a.

References:
Oral Fingolimod or Intramuscular Interferon for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. NEJM, 2010.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/362/5/402
A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Fingolimod in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. NEJM, 2010.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/362/5/387
A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Cladribine for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. NEJM, 2010.
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/362/5/416

Image source: Fingolimod, Wikipedia, public domain.