Rituxan Phase II Results
Rituxan (also called rituximab), a joint venture from Genentech and Biogen Idec (maker of Avonex), is a drug currently approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis and non-hodgkin's lymphoma. It targets certain B-cells in the immune system and has been an effective treatment for both conditions.
Now, they are testing the drug with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. After 24 weeks, there was a 91 percent decrease in the number of lesions. There was an average of .5 lesion per patient with the Rituxan group; 5.5 lesions for those in the placebo group.
There was also nearly a 20 percent decrease in relapse rate with Rituxan-treated patients. They had a 14.5 percent relapse rate as compared to the 34.3 percent relapse rate in the placebo group.
In my recent discussion with MS experts (sponsored by RevolutionHealth.com), they mentioned that the drug is now in phase III trials and is very promising. It's administered via an injection every six months.
Just another example of a potentially promising new treatment for multiple sclerosis....good times.
Comments
I am most interested in this drug for the tx. of primary prog ms. I have some severe deficits which keep getting worse. I can no longer walk even with a walker, my right side is impaired, no longer can write or cut meat. Have to use a hoyter lift for bathing. My neuro guy is quest. if I een have PP. For the amt of lesions I have he doesn't believe I should be displaying so much disability. I've been told for years I have PP. Now i don't know who to believe. I am an RN and was working full time until July of 04. I was diagnosed in 94.
Posted by: phyllis | July 13, 2007 12:53 AM
I am a researcher. Diagnosed MS 11/87. Did T Lymphocyte Vaccine BCM TX '98-'99 caused exponential progression. Underwent Mitoxantrone in '02-'03. 5 years stasis... its back. Will be allowed to do a 1 person trial on a focussed chemo. A secret follows not for public eyes as the US group who just did a successful transplant need time not a million phone calls.. I have my HLA-DR 8/8 donor!. I hope you find some peace. Its a lonely place we are in. We make our own luck tbtg...
Posted by: Andy | February 4, 2008 10:05 AM