cladribine (Cladribine) is a treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Poor social cognition predicts worse mental health and wellbeing.

Nothing is known about how cladribine (Cladribine) influences social cognitive function.

RRMS patients were followed longitudinally and also compared to healthy controls.

RRMS patients receiving cladribine (Cladribine) exhibited stasis in social cognitive function.

Relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is an inflammatory condition of the central nervous system associated with a range of neurological symptoms including neurocognitive difficulties. cladribine (Cladribine) is a highly effective treatment for RRMS that reduces disease progression, but little is known about how it influences neurocognitive function.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of cladribine (Cladribine) on social cognition, a neurocognitive ability that has prognostic significance for social functioning and quality of life.

A case control, longitudinal study of RRMS patients treated with cladribine (Cladribine) versus demographically matched healthy controls. Sequential cognitive assessments were performed prior to cladribine (Cladribine) commencement, and then in 12 monthly intervals for 2 years.

Between 2019 and 2022 49 RRMS patients and 51 controls were enrolled. There was little difference in social cognitive function at baseline between groups, which persisted over the study period. cladribine (Cladribine) was well tolerated with no severe adverse events reported.

These results provide the first evidence that RRMS patients receiving cladribine (Cladribine) exhibit stasis in an important area of neurocognitive function relative to healthy controls.

Cladribine (Cladribine)

Neurocognition

Quality of life

Social function

Social cognition

© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.