Interview Summary
An Unmet Need for Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated, central nervous system (CNS) disorder.1 It involves persistent, low-grade neuroinflammation
and recurrent relapses of demyelinating lesions with heterogeneous clinical presentation.1 Relapses in early disease stages are typically followed by partial or full recovery, termed remission.1
Normal neuron with myelin
Demyelination (early MS lesion)
Created with BioRender.com
Current therapeutic approaches target three key goals: reducing inflammation, preventing relapses, and delaying progression to secondary progressive MS. Disease-modifying therapies (DMT), delivered orally, by injection, or via infusion, suppress or modulate immune activity to achieve these goals.1
However, Shin highlighted that there is an unmet need for oral DMTs that people with early MS can remain on long-term without interruption by adverse events.
Not All S1P Receptor Modulators Are The Same
We started out with a fairly non-selective S1P agent, but the subsequent generations are much more selective in terms of the subtypes of S1P receptor they target. Shin
First-generation S1P receptor inhibitor (fingolimod)8
Second-generation S1P receptor inhibitor (ozanimod)9
Ozanimod causes a reversible sequestration of lymphocytes
out of the bloodstream and into the lymphoid tissue.14
Created with BioRender.com
It is not a true lymphopenia as it normalizes within a predictable timeframe
S1P Receptor modulator
Created with BioRender.com
Preclinical evidence also suggests that ozanimod crosses the blood–brain barrier and may have direct effects in the central nervous system by acting on S1P receptors on oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and neurons.10-12,15-17
Pivotal Trials: Ozanimod Safety Profile Compared with Interferon β-1a
The safety and efficacy of ozanimod were confirmed in two Phase III clinical trials. SUNBEAM14,18,19 (NCT02294058; 1 year; N=1,346) and RADIANCE14,20,21 (NCT02047734; 2 years; N=1,313) were multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active treatment-controlled studies of daily oral ozanimod 0.46 mg (not approved for maintenance dose) or 0.92 mg oral daily dose versus a weekly interferon β-1a (IFN β-1a) 30 μg intramuscular injection. The primary endpoint for both studies was ARR. Additional outcome measures included the number of new or enlarging MRI T2 lesions over 12 and 24 months; the number of MRI T1 gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) lesions at 12 and 24 months; and the time to CDP after 3 months and 6 months.14 In both trials, patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either ozanimod or IFN β-1a for at least 12 months (SUNBEAM) or 24 months (RADIANCE).19,21
Most Common Adverse Reactions (%)
Ozanimod 0.92 mg QD (n=882)14,*
IFN β-1a 30 µg (n=885)14,*
Upper respiratory infection
Hepatic transaminase elevation
Orthostatic hypotension
Urinary tract infection
Back pain
Hypertension
Upper abdominal pain
26
10
4
4
4
4
2
23
5
3
3
3
2
1
Figure 1: Most common AEs with an incidence of at least 2% in ozanimod-treated patients and at least 1% greater than IFN β-1a. *Data are not an adequate basis for comparison of rates between ozanimod and the active control. QD: once daily.
A Deep Dive Into the Long-term Safety Profile of Ozanimod
The DAYBREAK OLE (NCT02576717) evaluated long-term use of ozanimod.22 This single-arm, open-label, Phase III study enrolled patients who completed SUNBEAM or RADIANCE to assess ozanimod’s long-term safety and efficacy.
As Shin explained, the objective of an OLE study is to [determine whether] the safety profile remains good … and efficacy persists over time.
Continuous ozanimod 0.92 mg (N=762)
Figure 3: Absolute lymphocyte count with ozanimod during DAYBREAK open-label extension trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.23
Reproduced with permission from Selmaj et al.23 ALC: absolute lymphocyte count; LLN: lower limit of normal; OLE: open-label extension.
Figure 4A: Reported infections with ozanimod during DAYBREAK open-label extension trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.23
*Twenty-two participants had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and were not included in this analysis. †Six participants had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and were not included in this analysis. ‡One participant had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and was not included in this analysis.
Percentage of participants with infections in DAYBREAK OLE (safety population). Participants who experienced an initial infection were categorized based on ALC values either at the lab visit prior to the time of first infection or just after the time of first infection. The minimum ALC is selected if ALC is available both prior to and after the first infection.
Figure reproduced with permission from Selmaj et al.23
ALC: absolute lymphocyte count; LLN: lower limit of normal; OLE: open-label extension.
Conclusion
Ozanimod is an S1P receptor modulator that is structurally distinct from the first-generation treatment, fingolimod, and binds with high affinity to S1P1 and S1P5.1,10,14 As Berkovich noted, the “pharmacological representatives of the same class are not the same,” distinguishing ozanimod’s structural distinction within the S1P modulator class.
Ozanimod has demonstrated comparable safety to platform therapy IFN β-1a.14,19,21 Long-term data showed that 15.3% of patients reported serious infections, 9.6% reported severe infections, and 3.9% of patients discontinued due to TEAEs.22 Furthermore, treatment-emergent malignancies occurred in 324.8 per 100,000 person years.22,24 Its once-daily administration, coupled with a demonstrated safety and efficacy profile, show that ozanimod may be an appropriate oral DMT for early treatment of patients with RMS.
Berkovich added a patient-centered perspective:
When a patient leaves your office, they should feel better as compared to how they came…that is what realistically we can see with adequately treated patients.
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References
The molecular structure of ozanimod is distinct from that of earlier S1P receptor modulators, such as fingolimod, and binds with high affinity to S1P1 and S1P5. Experts Regina Berkovich, Founder and Director of the Berkovich MS Center and Research Institute and nationally recognized multiple sclerosis (MS) specialist based in West Hollywood, California, USA; and Robert Shin, Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and Director of the UVA Multiple Sclerosis and Clinical Neuroimmunology Center, USA, discussed several aspects of ozanimod therapy. They discussed ozanimod’s molecular structure, which distinguishes it from earlier S1P modulators, and reviewed...
Summary
long-term safety data (up to 7 years) from the DAYBREAK open-label extension (OLE) study and real-world evidence (RWE), including rates of serious adverse events (AE), infections, and treatment discontinuations. Finally, they described ozanimod’s efficacy in reducing annualized relapse rates (ARR) and MRI lesion activity in patients with early relapsing MS, and data on 3- and 6-month confirmed disability progression (CDP). Shin and Berkovich note how, taken together, these findings show that ozanimod as an oral disease-modifying therapy (DMT) may be suitable for early intervention in adults with relapsing MS.
Acknowledgements: Medical writing assistance was provided by Jessica Jinks, EMJ, London, UK. Medical communication support was provided by Peter Harrison, Spark (a division of Prime, New York, USA) and was funded by Bristol Myers Squibb.
Keywords: Annualized relapse rate (ARR), disease-modifying therapies (DMT), disability progression, early multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment, efficacy, MRI activity, ozanimod, relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), safety, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator.
Real-World Evidence
73%
In the DAYBREAK OLE study, ozanimod demonstrated a low discontinuation rate of 3.9% due to AEs across a follow-up period of up to 7 years.22 Real-world experience reinforces these findings.
A retrospective RWE study (n=206) collected data from patients with MS who received ozanimod with up to 2 years of follow-up.
This study found that by 2 years, 56 patients discontinued ozanimod with a discontinuation-free probability of 73%. Rates of pneumonia, urinary tract infection, worsening hypertension, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection were 0%, 2.7%, 2.7%, 3.6%, and 3.6% at 6 months (n=112); 0%, 0%, 4.1%, 4.1%, and 7.2% at 18 months (n=97); and 1.5%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 9.0%, and 7.5% at 24 months (n=67), respectively.29
Shin noted that the tolerability profile of ozanimod allows his patients to remain on the therapy for extended periods. “In fact,” Shin remarked, “I think that that says a lot.”
Spotlight on Efficacy: Long-term Data Show That Ozanimod Maintains Low ARR and Low MRI Lesion Activity
Ozanimod significantly improved annualized relapse rate (ARR) over 1–2 years (0.181 in SUNBEAM; 0.172 in RADIANCE) compared with IFN β-1a in Phase III trials (relative reduction: 38–48%; p<0.0001).14
Long-term follow-up showed that patients treated with ozanimod for up to 7 years had an ARR of 0.098 and 69.1% of participants remained relapse-free.22
69.1%
73%
ARR of 0.090
Ozanimod also demonstrated superior reduction in GdE lesions (relative reduction: 53–63%; p≤0.0006) and new or enlarging T2 lesions (relative reduction: 42–48%; p<0.0001) compared with IFN β-1a in Phase III trials.14 Long-term follow-up showed that, among patients treated with continuous ozanimod for 5 years, the adjusted mean number of GdE lesions and new or enlarging T2 lesions per MRI scan was 0.07 and 0.87, respectively.22
We trust and verify. But with that verification it is rewarding, nevertheless, to find out that our clinical impression gets supported by the MRI data and by the long-term disability status observation. Berkovich
In the pivotal Phase III trials, 92.4% of patients showed no 3-month CDP with ozanimod, and statistical significance was not reached for CDP with ozanimod; however, 7.6% of patients on ozanimod experienced 3-month CDP, similar to IFN β-1a (7.8%).19,26 Up to 7 years’ follow-up in the DAYBREAK OLE, 82.8% (n=2,066/2,494) and 84.8% (n=2,215/2,494) of patients showed no 3- and 6-month CDP with ozanimod, respectively (Figure 5).22
Figure 5: Time to onset of 6-month confirmed disability progression with ozanimod during DAYBREAK open-label extension trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.22 Figure reproduced with permission from Selmaj et al.22 OLE: open-label extension.
Berkovich explained: There was no significant difference in disability accumulation, because very few people accumulated disability in those pivotal studies.” Berkovich also noted that “Ozanimod showed superiority [in ARR and MRI lesion activity],17 which translated into the long-term observations that Dr Shin spoke about, and we both observe in our clinical practices.
Chronic lesion (SPMS)
Created with BioRender.com
High-efficacy immunosuppressive therapies, such as anti-cluster of differentiation (CD)20 agents, demand close monitoring and carry risks associated with sustained B cell depletion and increased susceptibility to infections.5-7 Accordingly, there remains a need for therapies that combine efficacy with a long-term safety profile.
Despite clear evidence that early treatment improves outcomes, around 20% of patients do not initiate DMT within 6 months of diagnosis.2-4
Fingolimod is a first-generation oral S1P receptor modulator approved for children 10 years or older and adults with relapsing-remitting MS.1 Fingolimod is
a pan-S1P receptor modulator and has been associated with side effects that stem from its receptor promiscuity.10-13
Ozanimod, a small lipophilic molecule, was specifically designed with improved receptor subtype selectivity.1,10,12
Regina Berkovich Berkovich MS Center and Research Institute, West Hollywood, California, USA
Ozanimod causes a reversible sequestration of lymphocytes out of the blood stream and into the lymphoid tissue.14
Created with BioRender.com
In SUNBEAM (n=1,346) and RADIANCE (n=1,313), ozanimod achieved a safety profile comparable to IFN β-1a, with similar rates of infection (35% versus 34%), herpes zoster infections (0.6% versus 0.2%), serious infections (1.0% versus 0.8%),14 and AEs leading to discontinuation for patients treated with 0.92 mg
(2.9-3.0% versus 3.6-4.1%).19,21
The most common AEs (with an incidence of ≥ 2% in ozanimod-treated patients and at least 1% greater than IFN β-1a) were upper respiratory infection (26% versus 23%), hepatic transaminase elevation (10% versus 5%), orthostatic hypotension (4% versus 3%), urinary tract infection (4% versus 3%), back pain (4% versus 3%), hypertension (4% versus 2%), and upper abdominal pain (2% versus 1%) (Figure 1).14
In DAYBREAK, all participants who entered from the preceding Phase III trials underwent dose escalation to ozanimod 0.92 mg once daily, regardless of their previous treatment assignment, and maintained this dose throughout the study.22
The most common AEs (with an incidence of ≥ 2% in ozanimod-treated patients and at least 1% greater than IFN β-1a) were upper respiratory infection (26% versus 23%), hepatic transaminase elevation (10% versus 5%), orthostatic hypotension (4% versus 3%), urinary tract infection (4% versus 3%), back pain (4% versus 3%), hypertension (4% versus 2%), and upper abdominal pain (2% versus 1%) (Figure 1).14
Clinical Rationale for Study Shin emphasized that while ozanimod showed comparable safety and superior efficacy in comparison to IFN β-1a in the pivotal trials,19,21 long-term evaluation remains essential. Both he and Berkovich underscored the importance of patients remaining on DMTs for extended time periods without switching.
*Patients received ozanimod 0.23 mg/day on Days 1–4, ozanimod 0.46 mg/day on Days 5–7, and the assigned dose of ozanimod 0.46 or 0.92 mg/day starting on Day 8 of ozanimod treatment.†All patients who participated in SUNBEAM remained on treatment until the last patient completed 12 months; RADIANCE was a...
Figure 2C: Safety patterns over time with ozanimod during DAYBREAK open-label extension trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.22 *Number of participants who had an event in the time interval, divided by the number of participants who were ongoing or discontinued treatment at the same interval; a participant could be counted under multiple time intervals based on the TEAE, TEAE start date, and treatment duration, but if a participant had multiple occurrences of a TEAE in one interval, they were counted once. Figure reproduced with permission from Mult Scler.22 M: months; OLE: open-label extension; TEAE: treatment-emergent adverse event.
Real-world evidence (RWE) studies differ from RCTs in that they are observational in nature, use data from non-randomized patients in routine clinical practice, and only evaluate association and not causality.
Figure 4B: Reported infections with ozanimod during DAYBREAK open-label extension trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.23
*Twenty-two participants had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and were not included in this analysis. †Six participants had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and were not included in this analysis. ‡One participant had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and was not included in this analysis.
Percentage of participants with infections in DAYBREAK OLE (safety population). Participants who experienced an initial infection were categorized based on ALC values either at the lab visit prior to the time of first infection or just after the time of first infection. The minimum ALC is selected if ALC is available both prior to and after the first infection.
Figure reproduced with permission from Selmaj et al.23
ALC: absolute lymphocyte count; LLN: lower limit of normal; OLE: open-label extension.
Figure 4C: Reported infections with ozanimod during DAYBREAK open-label extension trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.23
*Twenty-two participants had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and were not included in this analysis. †Six participants had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and were not included in this analysis. ‡One participant had an infection with an ALC assessment performed outside of the ±92-day window and was not included in this analysis.
Percentage of participants with infections in DAYBREAK OLE (safety population). Participants who experienced an initial infection were categorized based on ALC values either at the lab visit prior to the time of first infection or just after the time of first infection. The minimum ALC is selected if ALC is available both prior to and after the first infection.
Figure reproduced with permission from Selmaj et al.23
ALC: absolute lymphocyte count; LLN: lower limit of normal; OLE: open-label extension.
References
Dumitrescu L et al. An update on the use of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2023;24:495-509.
Bossart J et al. Real-world disease-modifying therapy usage in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: cross-sectional data from the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Registry. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022;60:103706.
Filippi M et al. Early and unrestricted access to high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies: a consensus to optimize benefits for people living with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol. 2022;269(3):1670-7.
Karampampa K et al. Early vs late treatment initiation in multiple sclerosis and its impact on cost of illness: a register-based prospective cohort study in Sweden. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin. 2022;8(2):20552173221092411.
Bar-Or A et al. Clinical perspectives on the molecular and pharmacological attributes of anti-CD20 therapies for multiple sclerosis. CNS Drugs. 2021;35(9):985-97.
Peters J, Longbrake EE. Infection risk in a real-world cohort of patients treated with long-term B-cell depletion for autoimmune neurologic disease. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022;68:104400.
Luna G et al. Infection risks among patients with multiple sclerosis treated with fingolimod, natalizumab, rituximab, and injectable therapies. JAMA Neurol. 2020;77(2):184-91.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Fingolimod Hydrochloride. Available at: https:// pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/ Fingolimod-Hydrochloride. Last accessed: 21 August 2025.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ozanimod. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/compound/Ozanimod. Last accessed: 21 August 2025.
Scott FL et al. Ozanimod (RPC1063) is a potent sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1P1) and receptor-5 (S1P5) agonist with autoimmune disease-modifying activity. Br J Pharmacol. 2016;173(11):1778-92.
Camm AJ et al. Cardiac and vascular effects of fingolimod: mechanistic basis and clinical implications. Am Heart J. 2014;168(5):632-44.
Marciniak A et al. An update on sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2018;28(23-24):3585-91.
Kappos L et al. A placebo-controlled trial of oral fingolimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis. N Engl J Med. 2010;362(5):387-401.
Camm AJ et al. Cardiac and vascular effects of fingolimod: mechanistic basis and clinical implications. Am Heart J. 2014;168(5):632-44.
Marciniak A et al. An update on sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2018;28(23-24):3585-91.
Kappos L et al. A placebo-controlled trial of oral fingolimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis. N Engl J Med. 2010;362(5):387-401.
Bristol Myers Squibb. ZEPOSIA U.S. prescribing information. 2024. Available at: https://packageinserts.bms.com/ pi/pi_zeposia.pdf. Last accessed: 18 September 2025. Selkirk JV et al. In vitro assessment of the binding and functional responses of ozanimod and its plasma metabolites across human sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors. Eur J Pharmacol. 2023;941:175442. Cohan S et al. Sphingosine-1-phosphate: its pharmacological regulation and the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a review article. Biomedicines. 2020;8(7):227. Noda H et al. Fingolimod phosphate promotes the neuroprotective effects of microglia. J Neuroimmunol. 2013;256(1- 2):13-8. Celgene. Study of ozanimod (RPC1063) in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) (SUNBEAM). NCT02294058. https:// clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02294058. Comi G et al. Safety and efficacy of ozanimod versus interferon beta-1a in relapsing multiple sclerosis (SUNBEAM): a multicentre, randomised, minimum 12-month, phase 3 trial. Lancet Neurol. 2019;18(11):1009-20. Celgene. Efficacy and safety study of ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RADIANCE). NCT02047734. https:// clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02047734. Cohen JA et al. Safety and efficacy of ozanimod versus interferon beta- 1a in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RADIANCE): a multicentre, randomised, 24-month, phase 3 trial. Lancet Neurol. 2019;18(11):1021-33. Selmaj KW et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis: final analysis of the DAYBREAK open-label extension trial. Mult Scler. 2025;31(13):1557-71. Selmaj KW et al. Impact of ozanimod on absolute lymphocyte count and recovery in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Presentation P1588. ECTRIMS Annual Meeting, September 18-20, 2024. Hartung HP et al. Absolute lymphocyte count around infections during phase 3 and open-label extension trials of ozanimod in participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis: final results from the DAYBREAK open-label extension study. Presentation P1606. ECTRIMS Annual Meeting, September 18-20, 2024. NIH. Cancer stat facts: cancer of any site. 2025. Available at: https://seer. cancer.gov/statfacts/html/all.html. Last accessed: 22 September 2025. Selmaj KW et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis: final analysis of the DAYBREAK open-label extension study. Poster 090. ACTRIMS Forum, February 29-March 2, 2024.
This intended pharmacodynamic effect reverses within approximately 30 days of treatment cessation, with around 80–90% of patients returning to normal lymphocyte levels within 3 months.10,14
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATION
ZEPOSIA® (ozanimod) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
Contraindications:
Patients who in the last 6 months, experienced myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalization, or Class III/IV heart failure or have a presence of Mobitz type II second-degree or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial block, unless the patient has a functioning pacemaker
Patients with severe untreated sleep apnea
Patients taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
Infections: ZEPOSIA may increase the susceptibility to infections. Life-threatening and rare fatal infections have occurred in patients receiving ZEPOSIA. Obtain a recent (i.e., within 6 months or after discontinuation of prior MS therapy) complete blood count (CBC) including lymphocyte count before initiation of ZEPOSIA. Delay initiation of ZEPOSIA in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved. Consider interruption of treatment with ZEPOSIA if a patient develops a serious infection. Continue monitoring for infections up to 3 months after discontinuing ZEPOSIA.
Herpes zoster and herpes simplex were seen in clinical trials of ZEPOSIA. Herpes simplex encephalitis and varicella zoster meningitis have been reported with sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. Patients without a healthcare professional-confirmed history of varicella (chickenpox), or without documentation of a full course of vaccination against varicella zoster virus (VZV), should be tested for antibodies to VZV before initiating ZEPOSIA.
Cases of fatal cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and disseminated cryptococcal infections have been reported with S1P receptor modulators. If CM is suspected, ZEPOSIA should be suspended until cryptococcal infection has been excluded. If CM is diagnosed, appropriate treatment should be initiated.
In clinical studies, patients who received ZEPOSIA were not to receive concomitant treatment with antineoplastic, non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive, or immune-modulating therapies used for treatment of MS. Concomitant use of ZEPOSIA with any of these therapies would be expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression. When switching to ZEPOSIA from immunosuppressive medications, consider the duration of their effects and their mode of action to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.
Use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided during and for 3 months after treatment with ZEPOSIA. If live attenuated vaccine immunizations are required, administer at least 1 month prior to initiation of ZEPOSIA.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain that typically occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability.
PML has been reported in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators, including ZEPOSIA, and other MS therapies and has been associated with some risk factors (e.g., immunocompromised patients, polytherapy with immunosuppressants, duration of use). Based on data from patients with MS, longer treatment duration increases the risk of PML in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators, and the majority of PML cases have occurred in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators for at least 18 months. If PML is suspected, withhold ZEPOSIA and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. If confirmed, treatment with ZEPOSIA should be discontinued.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has been reported in MS patients treated with S1P receptor modulators who developed PML and subsequently discontinued treatment. IRIS presents as a clinical decline in the patient’s condition that may be rapid, can lead to serious neurological complications or death, and is often associated with characteristic changes on MRI. The time to onset of IRIS in patients with PML was generally within a few months after S1P receptor modulator discontinuation. Monitoring for development of IRIS and appropriate treatment of the associated inflammation should be undertaken.
Bradyarrhythmia and Atrioventricular Conduction Delays: Since initiation of ZEPOSIA may result in a transient decrease in heart rate and atrioventricular conduction delays, dose titration is recommended to help reduce cardiac effects. If treatment with ZEPOSIA is considered, advice from a cardiologist should be sought for those individuals:
with significant QT prolongation
with arrhythmias requiring treatment with Class 1a or III anti-arrhythmic drugs
with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, history of cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, and uncontrolled hypertension
with a history of Mobitz type II second-degree or higher AV block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial heart block
Liver Injury: Clinically significant liver injury, including acute liver failure requiring transplant, has occurred in patients treated with ZEPOSIA in the postmarketing setting. Signs of liver injury, including elevated serum hepatic enzymes and elevated total bilirubin, have occurred as early as ten days after the first dose. Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels, if not recently available (i.e., within 6 months), before initiation of ZEPOSIA. Obtain transaminase levels and total bilirubin levels periodically during treatment and until two months after ZEPOSIA discontinuation. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of any hepatic injury. Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfunction should have hepatic enzymes promptly checked, and ZEPOSIA should be interrupted. Treatment should not be resumed if a plausible alternative etiology for the signs and symptoms cannot be established, because these patients are at risk for severe drug-induced liver injury.
Fetal Risk: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Based on animal studies, ZEPOSIA may cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after stopping ZEPOSIA. Women who become pregnant while taking ZEPOSIA may enroll in the ZEPOSIA pregnancy registry by calling 1-877-301-9314 or visiting www.zeposiapregnancyregistry.com.
Increased Blood Pressure: Increase in systolic pressure was observed after about 3 months of treatment and persisted throughout treatment. Blood pressure should be monitored during treatment and managed appropriately.
Respiratory Effects: ZEPOSIA may cause a decline in pulmonary function. Spirometric evaluation of respiratory function should be performed during therapy, if clinically indicated.
Macular Edema: S1P modulators have been associated with an increased risk of macular edema. Obtain a baseline evaluation of the fundus, including a macula, near the start of treatment with ZEPOSIA. Perform an examination of the fundus, including the macula, periodically while on therapy and any time there is a change in vision. Continuation of ZEPOSIA therapy in patients with macular edema has not been evaluated. Macular edema over an extended period of time (i.e. 6 months) can lead to permanent visual loss. Consider discontinuing ZEPOSIA if macular edema develops. The risk of recurrence after rechallenge has not been evaluated.
Patients with a history of uveitis and patients with a history of diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of macular edema during ZEPOSIA therapy.
Cutaneous Malignancies: The risk of cutaneous malignancies (including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) is increased in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators. Skin examinations are recommended prior to or shortly after the start of treatment and periodically thereafter for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. Providers and patients are advised to monitor for suspicious skin lesions. If a suspicious skin lesion is observed, it should be promptly evaluated. As usual for patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with a high protection factor. Concomitant phototherapy with UV-B radiation or PUV-A photochemotherapy is not recommended in patients taking ZEPOSIA.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Rare cases of PRES have been reported in patients receiving a S1P receptor modulator. If a ZEPOSIA-treated patient develops unexpected neurological or psychiatric symptoms or any symptom/sign suggestive of an increase in intracranial pressure, a complete physical and neurological examination should be conducted. Symptoms of PRES are usually reversible but may evolve into ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. If PRES is suspected, treatment with ZEPOSIA should be discontinued.
Unintended Additive Immunosuppressive Effects From Prior Immunosuppressive or Immune-Modulating Drugs: When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects while at the same time minimizing risk of disease reactivation.
Severe Increase in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disability After Stopping ZEPOSIA: In MS, severe exacerbation of disease, including disease rebound, has been rarely reported after discontinuation of a S1P receptor modulator. The possibility of severe exacerbation of disease should be considered after stopping ZEPOSIA treatment so patients should be monitored upon discontinuation. After stopping ZEPOSIA in the setting of PML, monitor for development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS).
Immune System Effects After Stopping ZEPOSIA: After discontinuing ZEPOSIA, the median time for lymphocyte counts to return to the normal range was 30 days, with approximately 80% to 90% of patients in the normal range within 3 months. Use of immunosuppressants within this period may lead to an additive effect on the immune system, therefore caution should be applied when initiating other drugs 4 weeks after the last dose of ZEPOSIA.
Most Common Adverse Reactions (≥4%): upper respiratory infection, hepatic transaminase elevation, orthostatic hypotension, urinary tract infection, back pain, and hypertension.
Use in Specific Populations: Hepatic Impairment: Dosage adjustment in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B) is required, and use of ZEPOSIA in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) is not recommended.
For additional safety information, please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
© 2026 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Zeposia is a trademark of Celgene Corporation, a Bristol Myers Squibb company. 2084-US-2500179 1/26
Over up to 72 months’ follow-up, treatment-emergent infections generally remained stable or declined over time (Figure 2B), and serious and opportunistic infections remained <2%; one case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy occurred (Figure 2C).22 Ozanimod may increase the susceptibility to infections, some serious in nature. Life-threatening and rare fatal infections have occurred in patients receiving ozanimod. Consider interruption of treatment with ozanimod if a patient develops a serious infection.14
Treatment-Emergent Infections
Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was ≥0.5×109 /L in 77% of participants 3 months after the initiation of ozanimod, and remained stable throughout 72 months of follow-up (Figure 3).23 Patients experienced a mean peripheral blood lymphocyte reduction of approximately 45%. Median time to recovery to normal lymphocyte range was 30 days after ozanimod discontinuation, with 90% of patients with RMS recovering to normal within 3 months.14 Berkovich reiterated that the lymphopenia seen when taking S1P...
Absolute Lymphocyte Count and Infection
With up to 7 years' follow-up, treatment-emergent malignancies among ozanimod-treated patients with MS were 324.8 per 100,000 person-years.22 According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database for 2021, the frequency of “cancer of any site” among the general US population was 446 per 100,000 person-years.25 Malignancies, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, seminoma, cervical carcinoma, and adenocarcinomas were...
reported with ozanimod in controlled trials.14 In DAYBREAK, the incidence of malignant melanoma, non-melanoma cutaneous malignancies, and non-cutaneous malignancies was 6.3, 107.1, and 194.8 per 100,000 person years, respectively.26
Treatment-Emergent Malignancies
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Based on animal studies, ozanimod may cause fetal harm.14 Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after stopping ozanimod.14 In SUNBEAM and RADIANCE Phase III trials, patients were required to discontinue ozanimod if pregnancy was confirmed, unless they elected to terminate the pregnancy, in which case they were permitted to continue ozanimod. Male patients were to notify the investigator if their female...
partner became pregnant.14,19,21 In a total of 82 pregnancies, of which 57 were in patients with relapsing MS, all patients discontinued ozanimod in the first trimester. There were 44 (53%) live births, 39 (88.6%) of which were normal infants and four (9.1%) of which were premature births (11% for the general population).27 There has been no increased incidence of fetal abnormalities or adverse pregnancy outcomes.27 Rates of 12 spontaneous abortions (14.5%) and one duplex kidney (2.3%) were consistent with the...
general population (18–31% and 1.8%, respectively).27 Readers are directed to the important safety information at the end of this article for further information on
fetal risk. For additional safety information, please see the full Prescribing
Information linked at the top of this article, and the Important Safety Information
in an scrollable footer.
Pregnancy
Berkovich discussed the issue of rebound,1 which she described as the return of MS activity and/or severe exacerbation of disease or severe persistent increase in disability after treatment discontinuation. Rebound is a key concern for clinicians and patients, particularly when symptoms are “above and beyond just the return of MS activity,” as has been reported with fingolimod.1 Shin noted that, with ozanimod, “what is not seen is the kind of rebound …that we had seen with some other agents.”
Findings from the DAYBREAK OLE study support this observation, where no patients experienced disease rebound, and only 3.3% (n=55/1,679) of patients experienced relapse after ozanimod discontinuation.28 Most relapses (98%; n=54/55) were mild or moderate, 2% (n=1/55) occurred while the patient was using a DMT, and 76% of patients made a full recovery.28
Rebound
Disclaimer: This article was sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb and is intended for US neurologists only. Please refer to the ozanimod US prescribing information here: https://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_zeposia.pdf
Ozanimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Contraindications for ozanimod include patients who, in the last 6 months, experienced myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack, decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalization, or Class III/IV heart failure, or have a presence of Mobitz Type II second-degree or third-degree atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial block, unless the patient has a functioning pacemaker; patients with severe untreated sleep apnea; or patients taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
See above for additional Important Safety Information.
Interviewees: Regina Berkovich,1 Robert Shin2,3
1. Berkovich MS Center and Research Institute, West Hollywood, California, USA
2. Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
3. UVA Multiple Sclerosis and Clinical Neuroimmunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
Disclosure: This article is intended for US neurologists only.
Berkovich has consulted for Alexion, Amgen, ANI, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Mallinckrodt, Merck, Novartis, Sanofi, and TG Therapeutics.
Shin has received consulting honoraria from Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, EMD Serono, Genentech/Roche, Novartis, Sandoz, and Sanofi.
Berkovich and Shin are compensated by Bristol Myers Squibb and are speaking on behalf of the company.
This article is for the purpose of scientific exchange and is not for the promotional purpose of influencing prescribing treatment or decisions.
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14. Bristol Myers Squibb. ZEPOSIA U.S. prescribing information. 2024. Available at: https://packageinserts.bms.com/ pi/pi_zeposia.pdf. Last accessed: 18 September 2025.
15. Selkirk JV et al. In vitro assessment of the binding and functional responses of ozanimod and its plasma metabolites across human sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors. Eur J Pharmacol. 2023;941:175442.
16. Cohan S et al. Sphingosine-1-phosphate: its pharmacological regulation and the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a review article. Biomedicines. 2020;8(7):227.
17. Noda H et al. Fingolimod phosphate promotes the neuroprotective effects of microglia. J Neuroimmunol. 2013;256(1- 2):13-8.
18. Celgene. Study of ozanimod (RPC1063) in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) (SUNBEAM). NCT02294058. https:// clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02294058.
19. Comi G et al. Safety and efficacy of ozanimod versus interferon beta-1a in relapsing multiple sclerosis (SUNBEAM): a multicentre, randomised, minimum 12-month, phase 3 trial. Lancet Neurol. 2019;18(11):1009-20. 20. Celgene. Efficacy and safety study of ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RADIANCE). NCT02047734. https:// clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02047734.
21. Cohen JA et al. Safety and efficacy of ozanimod versus interferon beta- 1a in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RADIANCE): a multicentre, randomised, 24-month, phase 3 trial. Lancet Neurol. 2019;18(11):1021-33.
22. Selmaj KW et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis: final analysis of the DAYBREAK open-label extension trial. Mult Scler. 2025;31(13):1557-71.
23. Selmaj KW et al. Impact of ozanimod on absolute lymphocyte count and recovery in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Presentation P1588. ECTRIMS Annual Meeting, September 18-20, 2024.
24. Hartung HP et al. Absolute lymphocyte count around infections during phase 3 and open-label extension trials of ozanimod in participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis: final results from the DAYBREAK open-label extension study. Presentation P1606. ECTRIMS Annual Meeting, September 18-20, 2024.
25. NIH. Cancer stat facts: cancer of any site. 2025. Available at: https://seer. cancer.gov/statfacts/html/all.html. Last accessed: 22 September 2025.
26. Selmaj KW et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis: final analysis of the DAYBREAK open-label extension study. Poster 090. ACTRIMS Forum, February 29-March 2, 2024.
27. Havrdova EK et al. Lack of teratogenicity with ozanimod in pregnancies occurring during the clinical development program in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Poster P158. ACTRIMS Annual Meeting, February 27-March 1, 2025.
28. Gold R et al. Absence of rebound effect following ozanimod discontinuation among participants in the DAYBREAK open-label extension study. Poster P097. ACTRIMS Forum, February 29-March 2, 2024.
29. Conway DS et al. Real-world experience with ozanimod at two academic centers across two years. Poster P375. ECTRIMS Annual Meeting, September 24-26, 2025.
This article was sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb
Rethinking Early Intervention in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis:
A Closer Look at Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Data for a Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor Modulator
MS is more prevalent in females, and the relapsing-remitting form represents the most common early phenotype, seen in over 90% of cases.1 As patients transition to the secondary progressive phase, disability gradually accumulates, with or without continuing relapses.1 This disease course underscores the need for early and effective intervention.1
Robert K. Shin Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia; UVA Multiple Sclerosis and Clinical Neuroimmunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
Second-generation S1P receptor modulators, including ozanimod, were developed to refine pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and receptor selectivity.
Shin highlighted that ozanimod, a small lipophilic molecule, was specifically designed with improved receptor subtype selectivity.1,10,12
In the DAYBREAK OLE (n=2,256), 89.0% (n=2,219) of patients reported treatment-emergent AEs (TEAE) (Figure 2A). Of these, 15.3% (n=381) were serious TEAEs; 9.6% (n=240) were severe TEAEs; and 3.9% (n=98) were TEAEs leading to permanent treatment discontinuation.22 TEAEs greater than or equal to 10% were nasopharyngitis (21.3%), headache (17.1%), and COVID-19 (16.5%).22 Similar safety patterns were seen in the continuous ozanimod 0.92 mg oral daily dose (n=881) population.22
Overall AEs
S1P receptor modulators are a class of oral immunomodulatory DMTs approved for RMS.1
Although the mechanism by which ozanimod exerts its therapeutic effects in MS remains unknown, Berkovich noted the evidence that ozanimod binds with high affinity to S1P1 and S1P5 receptors.14 S1P1 modulation by ozanimod blocks lymphocyte egress from lymph nodes, lowering peripheral blood lymphocytes.14 However, she noted that:
Absolute Lymphocyte Count and Infection
Discontinuation-free probability
Relapse free
*Patients received ozanimod 0.23 mg/day on Days 1–4, ozanimod 0.46 mg/day on Days 5–7, and the assigned dose of ozanimod 0.46 or 0.92 mg/day starting on Day 8 of ozanimod treatment.†All patients who participated in SUNBEAM remained on treatment until the last patient completed 12 months; RADIANCE was a 24-month study. Patients with relapsing MS who completed Phase I or II trials of ozanimod were also eligible for DAYBREAK but were not included in this analysis. ‡Of the 2,257 patients who consented to participate in the OLE, one patient did not receive the study drug. IFN: interferon; IM: intramuscular; OLE: open-label extension.
...agents “is really artifactual,” referencing the redistribution of lymphocytes from the blood to the lymph nodes.14 In the DAYBREAK OLE study, participants who experienced an initial infection were categorized based on ALC values either at the lab visit prior to the time of first infection or just after the time of first infection. Most patients with any infection had an ALC of between 0.2×109 /L and 0.8×109 /L at the time of first infection, and few patients had an ALC <0.2×109 /L
at the time of first infection (Figure 4).24
Overall infection and serious infection TEAEs
Overall and serious TEAEs
Opportunistic infection TEAEs
Figure 2A: Safety patterns over time with ozanimod during DAYBREAK open-label extension trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.22
*Number of participants who had an event in the time interval, divided by the number of participants who were ongoing or discontinued treatment at the same interval; a participant could be counted under multiple time intervals based on the TEAE, TEAE start date, and treatment duration, but if a participant had multiple occurrences of a TEAE in one interval, they were counted once.
Figure reproduced with permission from Mult Scler.22 M: months; OLE: open-label extension; TEAE: treatment-emergent adverse event.
Figure 2B: Safety patterns over time with ozanimod during DAYBREAK open-label extension trial in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.22 *Number of participants who had an event in the time interval, divided by the number of participants who were ongoing or discontinued treatment at the same interval; a participant could be counted under multiple time intervals based on the TEAE, TEAE start date, and treatment duration, but if a participant had multiple occurrences of a TEAE in one interval, they were counted once. Figure reproduced with permission from Mult Scler.22 M: months; OLE: open-label extension; TEAE: treatment-emergent adverse event.
Relapse-free
