Effectiveness and Safety of Ocrelizumab in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis among Iraqi Patients

Background Multiple sclerosis disorder altering agents are classify into two groups: drugs with medium effectiveness, also known as platform therapies, and high efficacy agent treatments (HEATs). Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®), a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody given through veinous line, is approved for adults in deteriorating forms of multiple sclerosis or primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Aim: The study aims to evaluate Effectiveness and safety of (Ocrelizumab) in Primary Progressive Multiple - Sclerosis among Iraqi patients.

Method: A multi centered, prospective study conducted in 3 hospitals in Iraq. A study analyzed clinical and MRI data in two visits over 6 months period.

Results: A study compromised 151 participants demonstrate 51% males while (49%) females with mean age 41±10; most patients taken (2) doses. Average of Expanded Disability Status Scale score of patients significantly increased from 4.851 to 5.026 with 34 (22.5%) confirmed disability progression. There was significant reduction in the progression index from 1.030 to 0.909 between two visits. Brain MRI experienced a substantial reduction in the number of T2 lesions from 8 to 7 with stable spinal MRI lesions. Ocrelizumab was well tolerated with most common adverse events were infusion related and 99% of them classified as mild.

Conclusion: Ocrelizumab appears effective in delaying the progression of the illness and lowering the development of MRI lesions in people with Multiple - Sclerosis.