Ocrelizumab Phase II Trial Results

The results of a small trial of a new medication called Ocrelizumab were recently published in the journal, The Lancet. Ocrelizumab is essentially the same as the currently available medication, Rituximab (although not FDA-approved for MS). Because of how it is made, however, Ocrelizumab may be better tolerated during the intravenous infusion. The effectivenss seems promising in this small study but there have also been significant safety concerns with this medication, including a death. Additional safety concerns led to the discontinuation of a study of Ocrelizumab in rheumatoid arfthritis. We will continue to closely follow the much larger studies that are currently ongoing, but at this time feel that Rituximab is a safer treatment.