Ozanimod (Zeposia) for the subsequent treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis with a high level of disease activity

In 2020, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany) looked into whether ozanimod (trade name: Zeposia) has any advantages or disadvantages compared to interferon beta-1a for the treatment of active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in people who have frequent relapses despite treatment.

For this assessment, the manufacturer provided two studies involving a total of 207 people. 116 of these participants had treatment with interferon beta-1a, and 91 of them were given ozanimod. The following results were found after one year:

What are the advantages of ozanimod?

Relapses: The studies show that ozanimod has an advantage in men here: Relapses were less common in men who had treatment with ozanimod than they were in those who received interferon beta-1a. There was no difference here in women.

What are the disadvantages of ozanimod?

The studies did not find that ozanimod has any disadvantages compared to interferon beta-1a.

No difference

There was no difference between treatment with ozanimod and treatment with interferon beta-1a in the following aspects:

  • Life expectancy: There were no deaths in either of the groups within one year.
  • Worsening of disability
  • Severity of disability
  • Vision
  • Health-related quality of life
  • Severe side effects
  • Treatment stopped due to side effects

What remains unanswered?

Fatigue: The manufacturer did not provide any data on this aspect.

The specific side effects could also not be assessed using the data supplied to IQWiG.

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany). Ozanimod (multiple sclerosis) – Benefit assessment according to § 35a SGB V. Dossier assessment; Commission A20-59. October 13, 2020. (IQWiG reports; Volume 980).

IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health care services.

Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the German health care system. The suitability of any of the described options in an individual case can be determined by talking to a doctor. informedhealth.org can provide support for talks with doctors and other medical professionals, but cannot replace them. We do not offer individual consultations.

Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a team of health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts. You can find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in our methods.

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Updated on November 5, 2020

Next planned update: 2023

Publisher:

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany)

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