MS and COVID-19 challenge: asymptomatic COVID-19 infection during treatment with cladribine

Abstract

Background The use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) may affect COVID-19 infection outcomes due to DMTs' immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects on immune response. The yet unknown issues are both the early response to the infection, as well as the post-infection development of immunity against the virus under these treatments due to their interaction with the immune system. Methods We report two asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) shortly after starting cladribine therapy, both developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response. Results Patients with MS who are under newly initiated treatment with cladribine tablets may experience an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and they may develop immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion These observations raise the probability that DMTs with immunosuppressive effects, such as cladribine, may be considered as a treatment option for selected MS patients with high disease activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.