summary: This research group from Italy looked at the rate of relapse following a change of treatment to fingolimod from natalizumab in 3 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Fingolimod was started 3-4 months after natalizumab was stopped to help immune surveillance reconstitution and reduce the risk of postnatalizumab MS reactivation. The three patients developed severe MS reactivation 16 days, 19 days and 6 days after starting fingolimod.

These cases suggest that fingolimod is not effective in controlling rebound, when started 3-4 months after natalizumab cessation. More experience is needed to decide on the correct timing of switching patients from natalizumab to fingolimod.

authors: Centonze D, Rossi S, Rinaldi F, Gallo P.

source: Neurology. 2012 Oct 3. [Epub ahead of print]

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category: Clinical Trials and Therapeutics

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glossary:

    Relapse
    Relapsing/remitting MS

http://www.msif.org/en/research/ms_research_news/severe_relapses.html