An effective antibody for multiple sclerosis

Scientists from the Karolinska Institute have compared frequently prescribed medications for multiple sclerosis and have identified the most effective of them.

Swedish scientists have analyzed the results of a large-scale clinical study COMBAT-MS and found that rituximab reduces the incidence of relapses and the activity of foci in MRI in patients with remitting multiple sclerosis. Rituximab is more effective than natalizumab, dimethylfuramate and injectables.

Patients receiving interferon β or glatiramer acetate were compared with those receiving rituximab. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody to the β-lymphocyte surface antigen CD20 administered intravenously or subcutaneously. In the trial, it differs significantly: 20.3 for dimethyl fumarate, 16.3 for natalizumab, and 32.7 for injectables compared to rituximab.

Source: Medscape