Current disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) show limited effects on disability progression unrelated to relapses. In this phase 3 trial, 1,131 participants with nonrelapsing secondary progressive MS were randomly assigned to receive either tolebrutinib (a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, n=754) or a placebo (n=377). Results revealed that 22.6% of those on tolebrutinib experienced confirmed disability progression lasting at least six months, compared to 30.7% on placebo, indicating a significant risk reduction (hazard ratio 0.69).
In summary, the study demonstrates that tolebrutinib may be effective in reducing disability in patients with secondary progressive MS.