Benefit assessment finds slight advantage of Gilenya (Novartis) for adults with Multiple Sclerosis

The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) has carried out an early benefit assessment to see if Gilenya (fingolimod), from Novartis, offers added benefit compared with present standard therapy in patients with highly-active relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). The assessment reports that adult patients with this form of the disease taking Gilenya experience fewer flu-like symptoms than those on conventional treatment. Based on data from the TRANSFORMS trial, Gilneya was compared with glatiramer acetate in patients with highly active RRMS who had not responded to a treatment cycle with beta-interferon . This assessment found no significant differences between treatment groups, as measured by relapse rate, progression of disability and health-related quality of life. Similarly there was no difference in adverse events. However, based on the frequency of flu-like symptoms, the data indicated there was an advantage with Gilenya: patients experienced fewer symptoms. The IQWiG concludes that in patients with rapidly progressive severe RRMS, there is a "hint" of a minor added benefit of Gilenya treatment compared with beta-interferon.