Ublituximab: 5-Year Results — Fewer MS Relapses

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Key Takeaway

Five years of the MS drug ublituximab kept most people relapse-free or with less disability, showing lasting benefit and manageable safety for many patients.

What They Found

Researchers followed people with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) for five years and found fewer relapses (attacks) in those taking ublituximab. People who started on another drug and then switched to ublituximab had their relapse rate cut by more than half within a year and it kept getting lower over time. Those on ublituximab from the start had even fewer relapses by years 3–5 — about one relapse per 50 person-years by year 5 (which is a very low rate). Fewer people who started ublituximab early had lasting disability after 5 years compared with those who switched later, and more showed confirmed improvement in disability. Side effects matched what was already known about the drug — serious infections were uncommon, and overall immune markers stayed mostly in the normal range.

Who Should Care and Why

People with relapsing MS and their caregivers should care because this study suggests starting a strong treatment like ublituximab earlier can mean fewer attacks and less long-term disability — like fixing a small leak early so it doesn’t flood the basement later. Patients thinking about treatment options can use this information to discuss risks and benefits with their neurologist. Caregivers benefit because fewer relapses often mean less need for emergency care, hospital visits, or sudden changes in daily support. Doctors and MS nurses should note that switching from a lower-effect medicine to ublituximab still helps, but earlier use gave the best long-term results. This could affect daily life by reducing relapses that interrupt work, school, or routine and by lowering the chance of permanent worsening over several years.

Important Considerations

This was an open-label extension, meaning after the first randomized period everyone knew they were taking ublituximab, which can affect how results are reported or perceived. Not everyone from the original study stayed in the long-term follow-up, so the people who remained might be healthier or more satisfied with treatment than those who left. The study shows group-level benefits but cannot guarantee the same results for every person; individual response and side effects can vary, so talk with your healthcare team about your specific situation.

Categories:

Treatment Updates Clinical Trials Living with MS

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like JAMA neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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