Clinical Report: Head-to-Head Trial in Relapsing MS
Overview
The OVERLORD-MS trial demonstrated that rituximab is noninferior to ocrelizumab in preventing new or enlarging MRI lesions in patients with newly diagnosed relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Background
Relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by episodes of neurological dysfunction due to inflammatory demyelination. The comparison of therapies like rituximab and ocrelizumab was evaluated in the OVERLORD-MS trial.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Rituximab
Ocrelizumab
No new/enlarging lesions (months 6-24)
89%
93%
Annualized relapse rate
0.09
0.04
Confirmed disability progression at month 24
3%
7%
Infections
82%
69%
Serious adverse events
8%
7%
Key Findings
Rituximab showed a noninferior efficacy compared to ocrelizumab in preventing new or enlarging MRI lesions.
89% of rituximab patients and 93% of ocrelizumab patients had no new or enlarging lesions from month 6 to month 24.
Infections were reported in 82% of patients receiving rituximab versus 69% for ocrelizumab.
Serious adverse events occurred at similar rates (8% for rituximab vs 7% for ocrelizumab).
The estimated annualized relapse rate was 0.09 for rituximab and 0.04 for ocrelizumab.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider the findings of the OVERLORD-MS trial when evaluating treatment options for newly diagnosed relapsing MS patients.
Conclusion
The OVERLORD-MS trial evaluated the comparative efficacy and safety of rituximab and ocrelizumab in relapsing MS.
