Antibodies against CD20 (rituximab) for treating multiple sclerosis: US20100233121

Abstract

Background. The application is in the field of medication and treatment for MS.

Objective. It aims at identifying and characterizing the activity and potency of antibodies against CD20 (rituximab) for treating MS and at devising treatments and dosing protocols for various forms of MS.

Methods. Various doses of antibody and different time points were assessed to devise treatments and dosing protocols for MS.

Results. Rituximab depletes peripheral B cells and reduces the level of B cells in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Various treatments and dosing protocols are proposed for improving the signs, symptoms or other indicators of patients with relapsing-remitting MS and with primary progressive MS.

Conclusion. Antibodies against CD20 and rituximab offer new opportunities to treat patients with MS. The application claims the use of antibodies against CD20 and rituximab for treating the various forms of MS. The application claims the administration of the antibodies at separate intervals, and alone or in combination with other drugs and treatments. It claims a manufacture product for the medication. It further claims the administration of antibodies against CD20 by gene therapy for treating MS.

Keywords::

• biomarker
• cell surface antigen
• lymphoma
• neurological disease
• therapy