Drug found most effective also only one approved for PPMS by FDA
by Steve Bryson, PhD |
Among four antibody-based therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) works best to prevent disability progression and other measures of disease activity in people with PPMS, or primary progressive MS, a review study found.
However, the medication is associated with an increased risk of infection, data suggested.
Most of the studies in the review focused on Ocrevus — found to be “primarily effective” for this form of MS. Meanwhile, the results for the other medications ranged from “not completely reassuring” to having “conflicting outcomes,” according to researchers.
“In summary, studies investigating [#Ocrevus] in patients with PPMS suggest that the treatment effectively reduces disability progression, decreases the risk of [needing to use a wheelchair], and improves upper extremity impairment,” the researchers wrote, adding that, despite the infection risk, the therapy “did not pose any significant safety concerns.”
The review study, “A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of monoclonal antibodies for progressive multiple sclerosis,” was published in the journal International Immunopharmacology.
#Ocrevus #Genentech
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