Grey Matter (6) and B cells - Combination of Rituximab by Intravenous and Intrathecal Injection in SPMS (RIVITaLISe)

Another study that you may be interested in is the RIVITaLISe study. This study is also targeting the B cell within the central nervous system (CNS) in the hope of disrupting the ectopic B cell follicles and thereby trying to stop progressive cortical or grey matter disease progression. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets a surface protein on B cells called CD20. There is good phase 2 data on its effectiveness when given intravenously (i.e. via a peripheral vein) in RRMS and a subgroup of PPMS (click here for previous post). This study is testing whether giving it into the spinal fluid via a lumbar puncture will help in subjects with SPMS.

Click here for more details on the trial: "Double Blind Combination of Rituximab by Intravenous and Intrathecal Injection Versus Placebo in Patients With Low-Inflammatory Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (RIVITaLISe)"

"Another example of a trial targeting patients with progressive MS. There is clearly activity in the field, but maybe not enough to satisfy the unmet need for PwSPMS and PPMS?"

CoI: multiple (click here for details); Roche/Genentech & Biogen-Idec are the companies that are responsible for developing and marketing Rituximab. Please note Rituximab is not licensed to be used in MS.