- Merck’s MAVENCLAD shows long-term safety, sustained efficacy in relapsing multiple sclerosis over four years, with data highlighting benefits of early treatment and durable effects on disease activity, presented at ECTRIMS 2024.
Thu Sep 12 11:51:50 -0000 2024 UTC– Merck has released new data confirming the sustained efficacy of MAVENCLAD, a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), over a four-year period. The findings underscore the drug’s positive impact on various disease measures, including disability progression, inflammation, and cognitive function.
The studies highlighted MAVENCLAD’s strong safety profile and high efficacy, with evidence of immune cell reconstitution and favorable outcomes for patients. Having treated over 100,000 patients globally, Merck emphasized the drug’s consistent safety and the significant, long-lasting benefits it provides to those living with MS.
The results reinforce MAVENCLAD as a reliable long-term treatment option, positively influencing the quality of life for MS patients.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, known as myelin, causing inflammation and damage. This disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms.
Common symptoms of MS include:
- Physical Symptoms: Muscle weakness, fatigue, difficulty walking, coordination and balance problems, numbness or tingling, and spasticity (muscle stiffness).
- Vision Problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or even loss of vision in severe cases.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and impaired problem-solving abilities.
- Emotional Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
MS varies significantly from person to person, with some experiencing mild symptoms and others facing severe disability. The disease can progress over time, and its course is often unpredictable. There is currently no cure for MS, but treatments like MAVENCLAD aim to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life for patients.