Ocrelizumab Trial

Milo · Post by **Milo** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:04 am

Is anyone here participating or considering the Ocrelizumab trial? I have my first infusion next week.

ssmme · Post by **ssmme** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:20 am

I've never heard of this 'mab'. How many patients is this trial taking? I would not want to take Avonex but that's just me. It would be a deal breaker in joining this particular trial.

Milo · Post by **Milo** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:24 am

This is a phase II trial, and it is very small. Only 200 people worldwide. I wonder what happens if you get the Avonex, you show up for the first infusion and they give you some Avonex instead?

ssmme · Post by **ssmme** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 10:35 am

If it's like the alemtuzamab trials then you take the Avonex once a week instead of the infusion. Your trial doctor will be blinded to what you get and your not to tell him/her. It won't be double blinded because you'll know what you you're taking.

Loobie · Post by **Loobie** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:41 pm

From what I've read about it, it is a "fully humanized" version of Rituximab. I could be so wrong, but the blurbs I've read about it tout that it is humanized while Rituxan is a synthesized MAB. And since they are talking about Rituxan in the comparison, I just assumed that it is supposed to have the same mechanism of action.

Milo · Post by **Milo** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:36 pm

You are correct. Apparently there is a mouse protiene in rituxan that the immune system eventualy creates antibodies against rendering the drug ineffective. This is the same drug as rituxan using a synthetic protien that is more human like.

Loobie · Post by **Loobie** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 4:52 am

Thanks for the clarification Milo!