Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors in multiple sclerosis: evidence and expectations

Purpose of review Despite availability of high-efficacy therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), many patients experience significant disability worsening due to limited effects of currently available drugs on central nervous system (CNS)-compartmentalized inflammation. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an intracellular signaling molecule involved in regulation of maturation, survival, migration, and activation of B cells and microglia, which are central players in the immunopathogenesis of progressive MS. Therefore, CNS-penetrant BTK inhibitors may better prevent disease progression by targeting immune cells on both sides of the blood–brain barrier. This review gives an overview on the preliminary results of clinical trials. Recent findings Currently, the efficacy and safety of six BTK inhibitors are being evaluated in clinical trials in patients with relapsing and progressive MS. Evobrutinib, tolebrutinib and fenebrutinib have shown efficacy and safety in relapsing MS in phase 2 studies, and evobrutinib and tolebrutinib in their extension studies up to 3–5 years. However, evobrutinib failed to distinguish itself from the comparator drug teriflunomide in reduction of relapse rate (primary end point) in two phase 3 studies in relapsing MS. Summary Inhibition of BTK has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to target the CNS-compartmentalized inflammation. Results from phase 3 clinical trials will shed light on differences in efficacy and safety of BTK inhibitors and its potential role in the future MS landscape.