Ocrelizumab after natalizumab in JC-virus positive relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients

Ocrelizumab is often used as an alternative therapy in natalizumab-treated MS patients at risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Our objective was to assess efficacy and safety of JC-virus positive patients switching (either directly or indirectly) from natalizumab to ocrelizumab. Forty-two patients were included from an observational cohort (median follow-up 21 months). No evidence of disease activity was found in 83% of direct switchers and 50% of indirect switchers. Two direct switchers were diagnosed with carry-over PML. Our data support a direct switch for adequate disease suppression, although carry-over PML illustrates the dilemma when choosing between a direct or indirect switch.

Automated summary

The study showed that for JC-virus positive multiple sclerosis patients, switching from natalizumab to ocrelizumab, direct switchers had better outcomes, although there was a risk of carry-over PML.