JAMA Neurol

Long-term data show sustained efficacy of ublituximab in relapsing MS

February 19, 2026

In this open-label extension of the ULTIMATE I & II trials (NCT04130997), in which ublituximab outperformed teriflunomide over two years, long‑term follow‑up demonstrated continued relapse reduction and durable safety. Of 985 participants completing the double‑blind period, 851 entered the open‑label phase, with more than 70% remaining on treatment at year 5. Participants switching from teriflunomide saw a 58.4% drop in annualized relapse rate (ARR) within one year, with ARR declining further to 0.045 by year 5. Continuous‑treatment participants reached an ARR of 0.020, the equivalent of roughly one relapse per 50 patient‑years. Disability outcomes favored continuous ublituximab (CDP24*, 8.0% vs. 14.3%). Safety was consistent, with stable immunoglobulin levels and no unexpected serious infections.

Clinical takeaway: Early initiation and continued use of high‑efficacy therapy like ublituximab may optimize long‑term relapse control and reduce disability progression in relapsing MS.

*CDP24=24-week confirmed disability progression.

Source:

Cree BAC, et al. (2026, February 16). JAMA Neurol. Five Years of Ublituximab in Multiple Sclerosis: ULTIMATE I and II Open-Label Extension Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41697690/