The primary source for this Ocrevus PML case report is a JAMA Neurology Brief Report item dated March 16, 2021, “Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in a Patient With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab Monotherapy”. From the Abstract for that medical journal article we take this excerpt:
Conclusions and Relevance: In this case report, [progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)] occurrence was likely a result of the immunomodulatory function of [Ocrevus] as well as age-related immunosenescence. This case report emphasizes the importance of a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of [Ocrevus], especially in patients at higher risk for infections such as elderly patients.
We get some interesting additional information about this Ocrevus PML case report from a March 16, 2021, Medpage Today article, “PML Reported in Ocrelizumab-Treated MS Patient”:
This case, first noted by Genentech in October 2019 but with many details lacking, is the only one associated with [Ocrevus] alone.
So pharmaceutical company Genentech knew about this first monotherapy Ocrevus PML case no later than October 2019, but important details about the subject patient and its ramifications in terms of Ocrevus drug safety just came to light in March 2021.
We will continue to monitor this “new” Ocrevus drug safety issue involving PML as well as watch for any explanation from Genentech about an almost one-and-a-half-year delay in making this Ocrevus PML case report available to the public.
[Read article in full at original source]