Methods for treating progressive multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The present invention concerns methods for treating progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in a patient, and an article of manufacture with instructions for such use.

1 . A method of treating progressive multiple sclerosis in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of an anti-CD20 antibody, wherein treatment is based upon the patient having one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of (a) an age less than about 55 years, (b) one or more gadolinium staining lesions, (c) at least about a one point increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) over two years prior to starting treatment, and (d) a Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) greater than about 5 points. 
     
     
         2 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method of treating multiple sclerosis in a patient comprising administering an effective amount of ocrelizumab to the patient to provide an initial ocrelizumab exposure of between about 0.3 to about 0.6 grams followed by a second ocrelizumab exposure of between about 0.3 to about 0.6 grams, the second exposure not being provided until from about 16 to 60 weeks from the initial exposure, and each of the ocrelizumab exposures is provided to the patient as one or two doses of ocrelizumab. 
     
     
         40 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . An article of manufacture comprising:
 (a) a container comprising ocrelizumab; and   (b) a package insert with instructions for treating multiple sclerosis in a patient, wherein the instructions indicate that an amount of ocrelizumab is administered to the patient that is effective to provide an initial ocrelizumab exposure of between about 0.3 to about 0.6 grams followed by a second ocrelizumab exposure of between about 0.3 to about 0.6 grams, the second exposure not being administered until from about 16 to 60 weeks from the initial exposure, and each of the ocrelizumab exposures is provided to the patient as one or two doses of ocrelizumab.