This article gives an overview of the recent clinical phase 3 trial conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of ocrelizumab in primary progressive multiple sclerosis patients. The efficacy of ocrelizumab in this trial emphasizes that B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis and B-cell–mediated inflammation has a direct or indirect role in neurodegeneration. Background Of The Study Primary progressive multiple sclerosis accounts for 10 to 15% of the overall population with multiple sclerosis.
The condition consists mainly gradual worsening of neurologic disability from symptom onset, although relapses may occur. So far, all the phase 3 clinical trials have been unsuccessful, and no disease-modifying treatments have been approved. Ocrelizumab is a humanized antibody that selectively depletes CD20-expressing B cells, (characteristic of…
