Reduced EDSS progression in multiple sclerosis patients treated with modafinil for three years or more compared to matched untreated subjects

BackgroundModafinil is a wakefulness-promoting drug used to treat narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea, and shift-work sleep disorder. Modafinil has also been used for the treatment of fatigue and excessive sleepiness in other neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, psychiatric disorders, and for cognitive enhancement. Recent preclinical studies suggest a potential neuroprotective effect of modafinil in neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we investigated its neuroprotective potential in multiple sclerosis.ObjectiveTo retrospectively assess disease progression in a group of MS patients that had received treatment with modafinil, and a matched group that received no treatment with modafinil.MethodsWe assessed the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score change, over at least three years, in 30 patients with MS treated with modafinil, and in 90 patients who did not receive modafinil. The two groups were matched for initial EDSS, age, sex, type of disease, disease duration, duration of follow-up, and concomitant disease modifying therapies. Statistical analysis was performed using a general linear regression model.ResultsIn relapsing-remitting (RR) patients treated with modafinil there was no significant EDSS change over the follow-up period. In RR patients not treated with modafinil, the mean EDSS increased significantly (0.94; p=0.0001) over the follow-up period. Independent of modafinil treatment status, our model indicated an additional mean EDSS increase of 1.1 point (p=0.0002) for progressive patients i.e. mean EDSS change was 1.1 point for modafinil treated, and 1.1+0.94=2.04 points for modafinil-untreated patients.ConclusionOur results support the hypothesis that modafinil has neuroprotective potential, and may play a role in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. A prospective study will need to confirm this finding.

► Progression of EDSS is slower in people with MS on modafinil for 3 years or more.
► Effect is more pronounced at lower EDSS levels.
► Effect of modafinil is independent of disease modifying treatment.