Ponvory®
ponesimod
Quick Facts
Ponvory® reduces the number of white blood cells, immune cells called lymphocytes, thereby reducing nerve damage.
Tablet taken orally
Once per day
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary-progressive MS
Potential Benefit:
Compared to an active comparator over a 108-week the OPTIMUM study:
- 30.5% lower annual relapse rate
- 59% reduction in new gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) T1 lesions and 56% reduction in the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions
- Worsening disability was prevented for most people
Common Potential Side Effects
Upper respiratory tract infections, elevated liver enzymes, high blood pressure
Prescription Assistance:
For assistance finding additional resources that might help cover the costs of your prescription, contact MSAA.
Hear from the Expert
Regina Berkovich, MD, PhD
“Importance of involving patients in their treatment decision cannot be overstated. It is really the decision of two specialists.”
DRUGMAKER
Janssen
HOW Ponvory® WORKS
Ponvory® is thought to trap the number of white blood cells (immune cells) called ‘lymphocytes’ in the lymph nodes, thereby reducing the number of white blood cells that get sent to the nervous system. This helps reduce nerve damage.
FDA-Approved
Ponvory® was FDA approved in 2021 to treat relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary-progressive disease, in adults.
Potential Side Effects
Upper respiratory tract infections, elevated liver enzymes, and high blood pressure. Adverse effects can include more serious infections and a slowed heart rate (bradycardia or bradyarrhythmia), macular edema (swelling behind the eye), as well as skin cancer.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION
Healthcare professionals may perform several tests before starting Ponvory to determine if first-dose monitoring is necessary and to determine appropriate monitoring while on treatment.
Testing completed prior to starting Ponvory® includes: Pre-testing is required, including CBC, liver function studies, cardiac evaluation to include EKG, ophthalmology evaluation, and varicella testing.
CBC and liver function studies should be repeated periodically. (How frequently they should be repeated is not specified but should be done at least yearly.) Ophthalmology evaluations may be repeated as clinically indicated.
When starting Ponvory, please note there is a titration period (starting at a smaller dose and increasing over successive weeks).
Patient advocates talk about
their treatment experience
-
Kristie Salerno Kent
“I have had situations where treatments aren’t approved at first. My doctors, nurses, they actually go to bat for me and made it happen.” -
Azure Antoinette
"I will be undergoing my first disease-modifying therapy to help treat multiple sclerosis in my body and while I’m very nervous, I am equally as excited and looking forward to the positive effects of how I will feel physically, and mentally, and emotionally." -
Damian Washington
“Nobody’s going to be looking out for your best interests better than you.” -
Cathy Chester
“I think it’s really important to talk about how to age with this illness.” -
Lauren Hutton-Work
“Just because you have this disease does not mean that your work life should be awkward or uncomfortable.” -
Chernise Joseph
“My first neurologist was a frontline neurologist, he wasn’t an MS specialist.” -
Julian Gamboa
“If you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis remember it’s always okay to get a second opinion.” -
Lauren and Sam Alcorn
“Our future is uncertain and we have to enjoy each other and love each other in the present.” -
Shawn Feliciano
“I want to know what medications might work best for someone who’s Hispanic.” -
Darlene Feigen
“The sooner you get on a therapy the better it is in the long run.” -
Birgit Bauer
“At the end of the appointment you should have an answer to the most important questions.” -
Ellen Tutton
“I looked up all the different disease-modifying therapies and compared them to my lifestyle.” -
Victoria Marie Reese
“I’m trying to show my daughter that taking care of yourself is cool.”
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