rituximab + schisandra chinensis blood-activating formula

This combination therapy consists of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab and a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparation known as the Schisandra chinensis blood-activating formula (Wuweizi Huoxue Fang). Developed and studied primarily at Shanghai Children’s Hospital, this regimen is designed for the treatment of pediatric primary nephrotic syndrome, particularly in cases that are steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing. Rituximab functions by depleting CD20-positive B-lymphocytes, thereby reducing the production of autoantibodies and inflammatory mediators that contribute to glomerular injury. The Schisandra chinensis-based formula is incorporated to 'activate blood' and resolve stasis, a concept in TCM aimed at improving renal microcirculation and potentially mitigating the side effects of intensive immunosuppression while enhancing the overall clinical response and maintaining remission.

Other names

rituximab plus Wuweizi Huoxue formularituximab and Schisandra chinensis blood-activating decoction