Ocrelizumab and Infection Risks in Older Adults with MS
A study found that ocrelizumab treatment in older adults with MS led to higher rates of hospitalization due to infections (IRR 1.67) and overall infection rates (IRR 1.42) compared to unexposed older MS adults, after a median follow-up of 3.5 years.
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Why it matters
These findings suggest that while ocrelizumab is utilized for MS treatment, it may increase the risk of serious infections in older patients, highlighting a need for careful management and monitoring in this demographic.
What this does not prove
The study excluded younger adults, which may limit its applicability to the broader MS population. Additionally, its retrospective design might introduce bias in the data interpretation.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Yes
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-24
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Other
Original sources
- Primary evidenceRisk of infection in ocrelizumab-treated adults with multiple sclerosis aged 55 years and older: a retrospective cohort study. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2026.101640
Supporting passages (10)
study designMETHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed, analyzing the electronic medical records, June 2017-January 2026, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, comparing 800 older adults with MS who received at least 600 mg of ocrelizumab IV to 800 older adults who never received B-cell depleting therapies.
subjectsFINDINGS: Among 1600 adults (n = 1111, 69.4% female; n = 1496, 93.5% White; median ages 64 (range 55-88) for ocrelizumab and 67 years (range 55-98) for unexposed), median follow-up was 3.5 vs.
primary endpoint metAfter adjustment, ocrelizumab was associated with a higher infection-associated hospitalization rate (IRR 1.67; 95% CI 1.15-2.43; p = 0.008) and infections (IRR 1.42; 95% CI 1.20-1.68; p < 0.001).
research categoriesINTERPRETATION: In adults aged ≥55 years with MS, ocrelizumab was associated with higher rates of infection-related hospitalization and infections.
comparatorunexposed older adults with MS.
primary endpointINTERPRETATION: In adults aged ≥55 years with MS, ocrelizumab was associated with higher rates of infection-related hospitalization and infections.
follow upmedian follow-up was 3.5 vs. 8.2 years.
findingsAfter adjustment, ocrelizumab was associated with a higher infection-associated hospitalization rate (IRR 1.67; 95% CI 1.15-2.43; p = 0.008) and infections (IRR 1.42; 95% CI 1.20-1.68; p < 0.001).
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-24
limitationsTitle: Risk of infection in ocrelizumab-treated adults with multiple sclerosis aged 55 years and older: a retrospective cohort study.
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