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Updated: May 28, 2026
10:46
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Ocrelizumab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a phase 2, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial
Ludwig Kappos1, David Li, Peter A Calabresi
1University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland. lkappos@uhbs.ch
Lancet (London, England)
|November 4, 2011
Summary
Ocrelizumab significantly reduced gadolinium-enhancing lesions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients compared to placebo. This B-cell depletion therapy shows promise for managing MS, supporting B-cells
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- B lymphocytes play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
- Ocrelizumab is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody targeting B cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two ocrelizumab dosage regimens in relapsing-remitting MS patients.
- To compare ocrelizumab's effects against placebo and interferon beta-1a.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 220 patients.
- Patients received placebo, low-dose (600 mg) or high-dose (2000 mg) ocrelizumab, or interferon beta-1a.
- Primary endpoint: number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions (GEL) on MRI at 24 weeks.
Main Results:
- Both 600 mg and 2000 mg ocrelizumab doses significantly reduced GEL compared to placebo (89% and 96% reduction, respectively).
- Ocrelizumab demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing GEL compared to interferon beta-1a in exploratory analyses.
- Adverse event rates were comparable across treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- B-cell depletion with ocrelizumab effectively reduces MRI lesions in relapsing-remitting MS.
- These findings support the role of B cells in MS pathogenesis.
- Further long-term trials are warranted to assess ocrelizumab's full potential.
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