The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

MS Ocrelizumab High-Efficacy Therapy

Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody for Multiple Sclerosis

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Nöroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is MS Ocrelizumab High-Efficacy Therapy?

Humanized recombinant anti-CD20 IgG1 monoclonal antibody.

Selectively depletes CD20+ B lymphocytes (memory B cells, naive B cells); spares CD20- plasma cells, stem cells.

Approved for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), active secondary progressive MS, and primary progressive MS (PPMS).

First disease-modifying therapy approved for PPMS based on ORATORIO trial.

Symptoms

Targeted MS symptoms: relapses, neurological disability, MRI lesion accumulation.
RRMS: relapses with neurological deficits.
PPMS: progressive disability without relapses.
Active SPMS: continued relapses on background of progression.
Aim to reduce annualized relapse rate, MRI activity, disability progression (EDSS).

Risk Factors

Indications: highly active RRMS, treatment-naive aggressive disease, suboptimal response to first-line.
PPMS especially in younger, ambulatory patients with inflammatory MRI activity.
Contraindications: active hepatitis B (reactivation risk), severe immunosuppression, active malignancy.
Relative caution: pregnancy planning (contraception during and 6 months after), age >55.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Newly diagnosed RRMS with active inflammatory disease.
  • Disease activity (relapses or MRI lesions) on first-line therapy.
  • Progressive MS with active inflammation on MRI.
  • Pre-treatment screening: hepatitis B/C, HIV, IGRA for TB, vaccinations.
  • Annual MRI and clinical follow-up.

Treatment Methods

01
Dose: 600 mg IV every 6 months. Initial: 300 mg × 2 doses 2 weeks apart, then 600 mg q6 months.
02
Premedication: methylprednisolone 100 mg IV, antihistamine, ± acetaminophen — to prevent infusion reactions.
03
Pre-treatment screening: hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBc), CBC, immunoglobulin levels, vaccinations (live vaccines >6 weeks before).
04
Efficacy (OPERA I/II RRMS): 46-47% relapse rate reduction vs interferon beta-1a; 95% MRI lesion reduction.
05
Efficacy (ORATORIO PPMS): 24% reduction in 12-week confirmed disability progression.
06
Adverse effects: infusion reactions (40%, decreasing with subsequent doses), infections (URI, herpes), hypogammaglobulinemia (cumulative dose-dependent), increased breast cancer signal (under monitoring).
07
Monitoring: CBC, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) before each infusion; PML risk low but reported.
08
Vaccinations: avoid live vaccines during therapy; inactivated vaccines reduced response but recommended.
09
Continue indefinitely with shared decision making; consider de-escalation in stable older patients.

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Nöroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Nöroloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Headache and Migraine

Nöroloji

What you need to know about headache types, migraine attacks, and triggering factors.

Low Back Pain

Nöroloji

Learn about the most common causes of low back pain, risk factors, and appropriate treatment approaches.

Neck Pain and Cervical Disc Herniation

Nöroloji

Learn about the symptoms and treatment options for cervical disc herniation and problems in the neck region.

Epilepsy

Nöroloji

Accurate information about epilepsy, types of seizures, and recommendations for patients and families.

Parkinson Disease

Nöroloji

Parkinson disease is caused by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and alpha-synuclein accumulation; well-timed therapy substantially improves function and quality of life.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Nöroloji

Information about early signs, diagnosis, and the care process for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Nöroloji

What is multiple sclerosis, who is at risk, and which treatments are applied?

Stroke

Nöroloji

What is stroke, what are the FAST signs, and why is emergency intervention critical?

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.