Efficacy and Safety of Ponesimod in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

One the disease modifying therapies (DMTs) that has been reported to be beneficial in multiple sclerosis (MS) is ponesimod, and as it holds true for all other autoimmune diseases, attempts to design immunosuppressive agents to help control the progression of MS while causing minimal side effects play a pivotal role in helping individuals suffering from the disease. Consequently, we have designed this review to comprehensively look into the safety and efficacy of ponesimod in persons with MS. A systematic database search was performed in March 2021. Double‐blinded RCTs on patients with MS with Ponesimod as their experimental medication were included. Annualized relapse rate (ARR), disability accumulation rate (DAR), the score of Fatigue Symptom and Impact Questionnaire–Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ–RMS), and adverse reactions were interpreted as efficacy and safety measurements, respectively. Ninety‐Five papers were retrieved in the literature search. After duplicate elimination, 92 studies remained. Finally, the review included two studies that met the criteria and used varied study designs. Ponesimod reduced ARR by 30.5% (p value = 0.001), DRA by 58% (p value = 0.29), and FSIQ‐RMS mean score by 3.57 (p value = 0.002). Meanwhile, the drugs have few side effects which were mild or moderate in intensity but has less cardiovascular side effects comparing to other S1P drugs like fingolimod. The advantageous properties of ponesimod in terms of its favorable risk: benefit and convenience profile, ponesimod has been regarded recently as a potential SIP‐1 drug for treating MS.