Real-world Experience of Oral Agents On Fatigability in Multiple Sclerosis

This multicenter, prospective, real-world study evaluates how two commonly used oral disease-modifying therapies-teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate-affect physical and cognitive fatigability in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Fatigability refers to an objective decline in physical or cognitive performance during sustained activity and represents a major barrier to daily functioning for many individuals with MS.

Participants starting either teriflunomide or dimethyl fumarate as part of routine clinical care will be followed for 12 months at regular visits (baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). At each visit, standardized assessments will measure walking endurance, gait performance, hand function, and information-processing speed. Patient-reported outcomes about fatigue, mood, quality of life, and daily functioning will also be collected. Brain MRI scans performed as part of usual care will be reviewed to document disease activity.

The goal of the ROOF-MS study is to understand whether these two therapies differ in their impact on physical and cognitive fatigability, functional outcomes, symptom burden, and real-world treatment adherence. Because this is an observational study, no experimental treatments are given, and all clinical decisions remain the responsibility of the treating physicians.

By examining fatigability in everyday clinical settings, this study aims to generate evidence that can help patients, families, and health care providers make more informed treatment decisions.