ACTRIMS 2022 | Impact of ocrelizumab disruption on RRMS

Intravenous ocrelizumab (OCR), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is administered every six months to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Kelly Cotchett, MA, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, explains the barriers to continued OCR treatment, including pregnancy, infections, and access to treatment. A retrospective chart review was carried out to investigate whether interruption of OCR treatment resulted in clinical relapse or MRI activity. On average, relapse-free patients had 17 months off medication, indicating that the six-month interval between OCR infusions could be extended. Only one patient relapsed after 24 months off OCR. Cotchett also notes that three patients were able to breastfeed for five months, including the first three months after birth when patients are at highest risk of relapse. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.