Safety data of almost 50 patient years of treatment with rituximab show that rituximab is well tolerated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO), according to a study of 56 patients treated with rituximab for MS or NMO and followed for an average period of 9.6 months. Researchers found:

• Interval between treatment cycles differed widely, from 0 to 21 months with a median 10 months.

• Number of infusions ranged from 1 to more than 8.

• Analysis covers 50 patients years of experience.

• Infusion-related reactions were most common and reported in 4 patients.

• Infections were seen in 3 patients, with 2 hospitalized for urinary tract infection and urosepsis.

• All patients recovered from infection.

• Full treatment response was seen in a quarter of patients; two-thirds benefitted partially.

Citation: Rommer PS, Dӧrner T, Freivogel K, et al. Safety and clinical outcomes of rituximab treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica: Experience from a national online registry (GRAID). [Published online ahead of print November 20, 2015]. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. doi: 10.1007/s11481-015-9646-5.