rituximab + methylprednisolone

This combination therapy consists of rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen on B cells, and methylprednisolone, a synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Specifically investigated by the University Hospital, Ghent, this regimen was evaluated for the treatment of early and severe diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). The protocol involves intravenous infusions of 1000 mg rituximab preceded by 100 mg methylprednisolone as a premedication and adjunct immunosuppressant. The mechanism of action relies on the depletion of B-lymphocytes to interrupt the autoimmune fibrotic process characteristic of systemic sclerosis, while methylprednisolone mitigates infusion-related reactions and provides additional systemic anti-inflammatory effects.

Other names

Rituximab in Early and Severe Systemic Sclerosisrituximab + methylprednisolone-University Hospital, Ghent-systemic sclerosis