What the trial was testing
The ASCLEPIOS I enrolled 927 patients with multiple sclerosis. The study was sponsored by Novartis and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
People on ofatumumab had 49% fewer relapses per year and 97% fewer new active brain lesions compared to those taking teriflunomide.
New England Journal of Medicine · 2020 · NCT02681594
These findings — that ofatumumab reduced the annualized relapse rate by nearly half compared to the standard daily oral treatment — were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 927 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with multiple sclerosis, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
Ofatumumab (Kesimpta) is FDA-approved for relapsing MS and can be self-injected at home once a month after an initial loading period. ASCLEPIOS I and II together enrolled nearly 1,900 people — one of the larger relapsing MS trial programs in recent years. If you have relapsing MS and want a high-efficacy, home-based option, ask your neurologist whether ofatumumab fits your situation.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open multiple sclerosis trials
A Study of Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell ( CAR-T) Therapy in Subjects With Non-relapsing and Progressive Forms of Multiple Sclerosis
A Study of Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Subjects with Non-relapsing and Progressive Forms of Multiple Sclerosis
Identification of Factors Related to UI in Patients With MS and EMG Assessment of PFM Activity
The study aimed to explore the link between urinary incontinence (UI) severity in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), electromyography (EMG) findings, and other relevant factors.