Ozanimod Reduces Serum Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Modulates Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Patients with Low-to-Moderate Activity Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by neuroaxonal damage, astrogliosis and inflammation. These mechanisms may already be active from early disease stages, underscoring the need for sensitive biomarkers capable of capturing treatment-related biological effects beyond conventional clinical measures. In this multicenter, ambispective, observational real-world study, the longitudinal effects of ozanimod on serum biomarkers were evaluated, during the first year of treatment in patients with low-to-moderate activity RRMS. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) and cytokines associated with immune activity (IFN-?, IL-17, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1?) were quantified at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using an ultrasensitive single-molecule array (SIMOA). Ozanimod was associated with significant reductions in sNfLs and sGFAP at 12 months. Concomitantly, significant decreases in IFN-? and IL-1? were observed. IL-17 levels remained unchanged in the overall cohort but decreased in patients with higher baseline IL-17 levels. These findings demonstrate coordinated modulation of biomarkers reflecting neuroaxonal damage, astroglial activation, and inflammatory activity under ozanimod treatment in early RRMS in real-world conditions. These results highlight the biological relevance of early intervention within a therapeutic window of opportunity and support the potential utility of serum biomarkers for monitoring biological treatment effects in clinical practice.