Work

Effect of Disease‐Modifying Treatments in Japanese Patients With Multiple Sclerosis During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Objectives Most disease‐modifying treatments (DMTs) for patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) do not influence the risk and outcome of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), except for anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies (ocrelizumab and rituximab). However, data on Japanese PwMS are lacking. Thus, we evaluated the risk of COVID‐19 in Japanese PwMS undergoing DMTs. Methods In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, we used the Japanese administrative database. The incidence of COVID‐19 between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024 was compared between PwMS who were administered different DMTs. Results In total, 61 of 1044 (5.8%) PwMS who were administered baseline treatments and 102 of 1253 (8.1%) PwMS who were administered high‐efficacy treatments had COVID‐19. The prevalence of COVID‐19 was significantly higher in PwMS receiving high‐efficacy treatments than in those receiving baseline treatments. However, this prevalence did not differ significantly among PwMS on different individual DMTs. Conclusion Although high‐efficacy therapy may increase the overall prevalence of COVID‐19, no specific DMT approved in Japan was associated with an increased prevalence of COVID‐19 among Japanese PwMS.

Source: Clinical and Experimental Neuroimmunology

DOI: 10.1111/cen3.70008

Authors: Taisuke Ogawa, Juichi Fujimori, Daisuke Kikuchi, Ichiro Nakashima

Institution: Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University

Language: English

Topic: Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science