Human Subjects in Multiple Sclerosis Study on Rituximab Therapy
In a study involving 3,410 MS patients, researchers found that extending the dosing intervals of rituximab reduced the overall infection risk. However, extending intervals beyond four infusions over two years did not significantly lower the risk of hospital-treated infections, particularly for just two infusions compared to four.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
Why it matters
These findings could influence how rituximab is administered, especially in older patients, by providing insight into balancing infection risks with treatment dosing schedules.
What this does not prove
The study's findings may not apply to specific infection types needing hospitalization, and the data was limited to what is available in health registries.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 3410 · patients
- Randomised
- No
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Yes
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-08
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceInfection Risk During Rituximab Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Effect of Dosing Interval and Age. ↗DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200664
Supporting passages (11)
study designWe conducted a nation-wide observational study linking compulsory Norwegian health registries with the Norwegian MS registry.
subjectsRESULTS: Among 3,410 patients (13,811 treatment episodes between 2010 and June 2022), 13,774 infections occurred, including 971 hospital-treated events.
sample sizeRESULTS: Among 3,410 patients (13,811 treatment episodes between 2010 and June 2022), 13,774 infections occurred, including 971 hospital-treated events.
sample size basispatients
randomizedNo
peer reviewedThese findings support cautious interval extension and careful risk-benefit assessment in older patients.
primary endpoint metCompared with 4 infusions over 2 years (6-month intervals), extended dosing was associated with a lower risk of any infection (hazard ratio [HR] 0.90 [95% CI 0.82-0.99]) for 2 infusions; (HR 0.78 [95% CI 0.69-0.88] for 1 infusion).
primary endpointTitle: Infection Risk During Rituximab Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Effect of Dosing Interval and Age.
findingsDISCUSSION: Extended rituximab intervals are associated with reduced overall infection risk, but the benefit for hospital-treated infections is limited.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-08
limitationsTitle: Infection Risk During Rituximab Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Effect of Dosing Interval and Age.
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