Real-world effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate versus fingolimod in a cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis using standardized, quantitative outcome metrics.

Background: Prior studies suggest comparable effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and fingolimod (FTY) in multiple sclerosis (MS) using relapse, Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion metrics.

Objective: Compare the real-world effectiveness of DMF versus FTY using quantitative, validated neuroperformance tests, MRI, and serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) outcomes while controlling for between-group differences.

Methods: Patients were eligible if on DMF or FTY when first enrolled in the MS Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) network and had ≥1-year follow-up in MS PATHS.