methotrexate + ocrelizumab

Methotrexate + ocrelizumab is a combination therapy consisting of methotrexate, a folate antimetabolite and immunosuppressant, and ocrelizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B-cells. Methotrexate inhibits enzymes involved in nucleotide synthesis (notably dihydrofolate reductase), leading to anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Ocrelizumab selectively depletes CD20-positive B-cells via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-mediated lysis. This combination has been studied primarily for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly in patients who are methotrexate-naive or have had an inadequate response to methotrexate alone. Clinical trials demonstrated that the combination is effective at reducing joint damage progression and improving clinical symptoms compared to methotrexate monotherapy; however, higher doses of ocrelizumab were associated with increased risk of serious infections[1][2][3][4][5].

Brand names

OcrevusTrexallRheumatrex

Other names

ocrelizumabMTX