Teriflunomide in multiple sclerosis: Added benefit not proven

This is not the case, however: Although certain side effects occur less frequently under teriflunomide than under beta interferon 1a, others are more frequent. Overall, IQWiG does not regard an added benefit as proven.

Drug manufacturer limited itself to a certain beta interferon preparation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, incurable, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which often has a relapsing course. If there is a remission of all or most symptoms after a relapse, this type of MS is called relapsing-remitting (RRMS).

The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) specified beta interferons (1a or 1b) or glatiramer acetate as appropriate comparator therapy. The drug manufacturer chose beta interferon 1a as comparator therapy, but limited itself to one certain preparation from this drug group (Rebif). This did not influence the result of the assessment, however. Teriflunomide is taken as a tablet, whereas beta interferon 1a has to be injected.

Only data from an approval study were used

In its dossier, the manufacturer presented results from an approval study (TENERE), which directly compared teriflunomide with Rebif. In this study, patients were treated for 48 to 115 weeks. The study was unblinded, i.e. both patients and doctors knew which drug was administered.

In addition, the manufacturer used an indirect comparison based on three studies, all of which tested teriflunomide or Rebif against placebo. The placebo was used as what is known as the "common comparator." The manufacturer then combined the results of this indirect comparison with the results from TENERE. However, the indirect comparison was unsuitable to support the results from the direct comparison (TENERE). IQWiG therefore only included the data on the direct comparison in the assessment.

No relevant differences in morbidity and quality of life

No conclusions can be drawn on mortality because no patients died during the study. The study was not long enough and did not have enough participants anyway to be able to reveal any differences in mortality.

Regarding disability progression and relapses such as vision disorders, there were no statistically significant differences between the teriflunomide and the interferon group.

No statistically significant difference was observed for the outcome "health-related quality of life," either.

Opposing results for side effects

There were also no important differences found with regards to serious adverse events and the outcome "treatment discontinuation due to side effects."

The picture is more complex for non-severe or non-serious side effects, however: Flu-like symptoms were less frequent under teriflunomide than under beta interferon 1a. This was also the case for reactions at the injection site, but this side effect cannot occur with a tablet (teriflunomide). In contrast, diarrhea and hair loss (alopecia) were more frequent in the teriflunomide group.

Reliability of conclusions is limited

Overall, regarding side effects, IQWiG sees a hint of a positive and a negative effect, in each case with a considerable extent. IQWiG regards the reliability of the conclusions of the study to be limited, so that it sees hints, but no indications. One of the reasons is that the study was unblinded.

Balancing the positive and negative effects regarding side effects, the Institute does not regard an added benefit of teriflunomide in comparison with beta interferon 1a as proven.