Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is the fumarate featured in this guide. It is also the only one of the five featured therapies taken by mouth.
Fumarates are disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) used for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The body processes these medications into an active substance called monomethyl fumarate (MMF). MMF may activate a natural defense pathway that helps cells respond to oxidative stress, which occurs when harmful, unstable molecules build up faster than cells can remove them. The exact mechanisms through which fumarates reduce inflammation and help slow the progression of MS are not fully understood.
Vumerity is a disease-modifying therapy supplied as delayed-release capsules. The delayed-release coating allows the medication to pass through the stomach before it begins to dissolve.
Before treatment, the healthcare team evaluates the following:
Vumerity is approved for adults with relapsing forms of MS:
It is taken long-term to reduce future relapses and limit the development or growth of lesions detected on MRI. Vumerity does not treat a relapse that has already begun or directly relieve current MS symptoms.
After the body processes Vumerity, the medication is converted into its active form, MMF. While the exact way it works for RMS is not known, MMF may reduce inflammation and support the natural processes cells use to respond to oxidative stress.
Vumerity is self-administered and intended for long-term use. The starting dose is one 231 mg capsule twice daily for seven days, followed by two 231 mg capsules twice daily. The capsules must be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or opened.
In a 96-week study, more than 1,000 adults with RMS received Vumerity, with 72 participants being Black. The study mainly examined its safety, side effects, and whether people could continue taking it. Relapses remained uncommon, and MRI scans showed fewer areas of inflammation by the end of the study. Because everyone received Vumerity, the results could not be compared with a placebo or another treatment.
In a separate analysis, researchers found that relapse rates among Black participants decreased by 78.2% over the duration of treatment. About 82% remained relapse-free at the end of the study, and the results were similar to those seen in non-Black participants. The researchers didn’t identify any new safety concerns specifically among Black participants.
Vumerity contains the active ingredient diroximel fumarate. Its effectiveness is based on trials showing that Vumerity provides similar exposure to the same active form (MMF) as dimethyl fumarate. In clinical trials, dimethyl fumarate reduced relapses and new or enlarging MS lesions compared with placebo.
Black people with MS may face a different disease experience than White people, including a greater risk of disability and, in some studies, more severe disease at diagnosis. Yet Black patients have historically been underrepresented in MS research.
That matters because clinical trial results don’t always tell us how a treatment will perform across different populations. Factors such as genetics, disease severity, access to specialists, and differences in when treatment begins can all influence outcomes.
The Vumerity research is encouraging because it includes data from Black patients rather than relying entirely on results from a predominantly White study population. While the available research isn’t large enough to establish meaningful racial differences in how Vumerity works, it adds to the evidence that Black patients can benefit from fumarate treatment.
For Black people living with relapsing MS, the takeaway is simple: there is growing evidence to support treatment options like Vumerity, but continued research involving more Black patients is important to better understand and improve MS care across communities.
Contact your healthcare team if you develop:
Seek immediate medical treatment for:
During treatment, the healthcare team continues to check for:
Lymphocyte levels are checked six months after treatment begins and then every six to twelve months. Liver tests may be repeated when needed.
Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis can find access to Vumerity through several program options. Some of those programs may help lower out-of-pocket medication costs for eligible patients with commercial insurance, provide assistance with insurance coverage, prior authorizations, denied claims, and financial support options, or help eligible patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by government insurance explore other assistance programs. Learn more about savings and support for Vumerity.
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any drug or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Enter your name and email to receive the download link.
