Rituximab
Other names: Rituxan
In development for: Relapsing/remitting and primary progressive MS
Status: Phase II/III
Last updated: April 2008
How does it work?
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody licensed to treat leukaemia and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
It reduces the numbers of B-cells in the immune system. Most of the current treatments for MS interact with or deplete T-cells, so rituximab provides a means for investigating the role of B-cells in the immunological changes in MS.
How is it given?
Intravenous infusion. In the 48 week phase II study of relapsing/remitting MS, intravenous infusions were given on days 1 and 15.
Clinical studies
In a phase II, 48 week, clinical trial, rituximab was given by iv infusion on days 1 and 15. There were significantly fewer active lesions and relapses in the rituximab group.
A phase III trial is also underway in primary progressive MS.
Side effects and contra indications
Rituximab has been associated with a number of severe side effects including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and fatal infusion reactions, although these have not been reported in MS trials.
References
Hauser SL et al.
B-cell depletion with rituximab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
N Engl J Med. 2008 Feb 14;358(7):676-88.
Read abstract
- Other monoclonal antibodies in development for relapsing/remitting MS
- Alemtuzumab
- Daclizumab
- Rituximab
