Comparative effectiveness of Rituximab and Ocrelizumab in Relapsing-Remitting MS
In a study involving 150 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), no significant differences were found in relapse rates, MRI findings, or disability outcomes between those treated with Ocrelizumab (OCR) and those treated with Rituximab (RTX). The annualized relapse rates decreased from a mean of 1.23 to 0.70 for OCR and from 1.23 to 0.76 for RTX, with no statistical significance (P = 0.34).
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not yet assessed
- Mechanism
- Not yet assessed
- Evidence strength
- Not yet assessed
- Outcome
- Not yet assessed
Why it matters
This study is important as it provides insights into the real-world effectiveness and safety of OCR compared to RTX over an extended follow-up of more than three years, but it cannot establish causation due to its observational design.
What this does not prove
The study lacked randomization, with treatment choices influenced by insurance and drug availability. Thus, the findings do not confirm intrinsic differences between the treatments, as they merely reflect real-world treatment strategies.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 150 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- No
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- No
- Relevant MS type
- RRMS
- Publication date
- 2026-10-14
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceComparative effectiveness and safety of rituximab versus ocrelizumab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a real-world experience from Iran. ↗DOI: 10.1007/s13760-026-03207-5
Supporting passages (12)
study phaseCONCLUSION: Over a mean follow-up exceeding three years, no statistically significant differences in relapse, MRI, or disability outcomes were detected between OCR and RTX.
study designClinician-reported data were retrospectively extracted from medical records using a standardized data-collection checklist.
subjectsMETHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 2020 and 2025, RRMS patients prescribed OCR or RTX at the Imam Hossein MS Center in Tehran, Iran, were identified.
sample sizeRESULTS: 150 patients (OCR = 90, RTX = 60) were followed for a mean of 42.1 ± 15.1 months (RTX: 46.2 ± 19.1 months; OCR: 39.5 ± 11.0 months; P = 0.12).
randomizedTreatment allocation was non-random and was influenced by insurance coverage and drug availability.
primary endpoint metCONCLUSION: Over a mean follow-up exceeding three years, no statistically significant differences in relapse, MRI, or disability outcomes were detected between OCR and RTX.
relevant ms typesRRMS.
interventionTitle: Comparative effectiveness and safety of rituximab versus ocrelizumab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a real-world experience from Iran.
primary endpointThe annualized relapse rate (ARR) decreased from a pre-treatment mean of 1.23 to 0.70 in the OCR group and 0.76 in the RTX group (mean difference, - 0.06; P = 0.34), with corresponding absolute relapse counts of one in the OCR group and two in the RTX group.
findingsCONCLUSION: Over a mean follow-up exceeding three years, no statistically significant differences in relapse, MRI, or disability outcomes were detected between OCR and RTX.
limitationsBecause treatment allocation was non-random and RTX was commonly administered using extended-interval dosing, these findings represent a comparison of real-world treatment strategies, not a causal comparison of the intrinsic effects of RTX versus OCR.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-14
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