Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®) is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). In the two identically designed,… Click to show full abstract
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®) is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). In the two identically designed, 96-week OPERA I and II trials in patients with RMS, ocrelizumab significantly reduced annualized relapse rates versus interferon β-1a. In the ≥ 120-week ORATORIO trial in patients with PPMS, ocrelizumab significantly reduced the risk of ≥ 12-week confirmed disability progression relative to placebo. These primary endpoint results were supported by a number of secondary outcomes, including disease activity in the brain assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Ocrelizumab was generally well tolerated in these studies, with infusion-related reactions and infections being the most common adverse events, which were mostly mild to moderate in severity. In summary, ocrelizumab is a novel high-efficacy disease-modifying therapy for RMS that is more effective than interferon β-1a and also a valuable new treatment option for delaying progression in early PPMS. It offers a convenient once every 6 months treatment regimen, with no need for routine monitoring.
               
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