Identifying Ocrelizumab-resistant Lymphocytes in Lymphoid Tissue in Multiple Sclerosis
B cell-depleting therapies, such as ocrelizumab, are among the most effective medications currently available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This suggests that B cells play a very important role in MS. While B cells are rapidly eliminated from the blood of patients treated with medications like ocrelizumab, little is known about how effectively B cells are eliminated from lymph nodes, which are important sites of B cell activation. This study is being conducted to determine to what extent B cells are targeted in lymph nodes following ocrelizumab treatment, which may have important consequences for long-term MS outcomes.
• Ability to provide written informed consent and be compliant with the study protocol
• The treating neurologist's independent medical assessment and decision to initiate the patient on ocrelizumab treatment as most appropriate standard of care for the patient
• Diagnosis of RR-MS with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0-5.5 at enrollment
• Treatment-naïve (i.e. no prior disease modifying therapy)
• Disease duration from the onset of MS symptoms: less than 15 years in patients with an EDSS greater than 5.0 at screening
• For women of childbearing potential: agreement to remain abstinent (refrain from heterosexual intercourse) or use acceptable contraceptive methods during the treatment period and for 6 months after the final dose of ocrelizumab