RESEARCH - A humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, ocrelizumab, studied for the treatment of RA

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s Hopkins Arthritis

Sep 2008

Ocrelizumab, a Humanized Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody, Studied for

the Treatment of RA

Figure: Binding of monoclonal antibody to CD20 on the surface of a B cell

Anti-B cell therapy with rituximab has been shown to be safe and

beneficial for RA treatment. Rituximab is approved and marketed for

the treatment of RA in patients who have failed other therapies.

Ocrelizumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against CD20, may have

less immunogenicity and less complement activation than rituximab

which, theoretically, may reduce the development of drug neutralizing

antibodies and infusion reactions. Here, Genovese at al report the

results of a Phase I/II dose finding study of Ocrelizumab in RA

patients who have failed other DMARDs (including prior TNF

inhibitors).

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http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-news/2008/Ocrelizumab-Studied-for-the\

-Treatment-of-RA.html

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