Efficacy and safety of siponimod for multiple sclerosis: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with serious social and economic burden. Siponimod is a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist, and clinical trials in the past decade have shown good prospects for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. But there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the dose–effect relationship and safety in different subtypes of multiple sclerosis at present. METHODS: We will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of siponimod in multiple sclerosis. We will search PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) using a comprehensive strategy. The reference lists of the articles we select for inclusion will be checked to identify additional studies for potential inclusion. Two reviewers will review all literature independently. Upon inclusion of articles, another 2 reviewers will extract available data using a standardized form and assess the potential bias. Review Manager will be used to conduct data synthesis. There is no requirement of ethical approval and informed consent. RESULT: This is the first systematic assessment of siponimod for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. We predict it will provide high-quality synthesis of existing evidence for the efficacy and safety of siponimod for multiple sclerosis and a relatively comprehensive reference for clinical practice and clinical trials about siponimod to be conducted. CONCLUSION: The results of the systematic review and meta-analysis will provide updated evidence for the use of siponimod for multiple sclerosis. REGISTRATION: The systematic review and meta-analysis is registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic review (PROSPERO#CRD42018112721).