To reduce the occurrence of autoimmune adverse events from the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) with alemtuzumab through the subsequent targeted use of rituximab. The hypothesis to be tested is that rituximab therapy following alemtuzumab treatment for MS will reduce the frequency of autoimmune adverse events.

If this strategy proves to be safe and is effective in preventing or significantly reducing the frequency of autoimmune adverse events in the treatment of MS with alemtuzumab, then this approach could be adopted immediately in a large number of pwMS with an immediate reduction in co-morbidity.

– Diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) by a neurologist
– Diagnosis of MS meeting 2017 McDonald criteria
– Diagnosed with MS within the previous 10 years
-Expanded disability status scale (EDSS)15 score < 5.0
-English speaking or non-English speaking who can ensure external interpreter assistance (e.g. relative or friend) to attend all visits for the duration of the clinical trial.
-Available to attend clinic visits
-Willing to sign up for and comply with Bloodwatch monitoring program

-Known or suspected prior autoimmune disease (other than MS)
-Any other serious co-morbidity that in the view of the investigator would preclude participation in the study
– Pregnant (if female)
– Currently lactating (if female)
-Unwilling or unable to use appropriate contraception for the treatment phase of the study (2 years) – male or female
-Recent or current history of major depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis or suicidality
-Currently or recently taking any illicit substances (including any cannabis product)
-Allergy to valaciclovir
-Allergy to Bactrim, Trimethoprim or Sulphur based antibiotics

Recruitment commenced 05/05/2022

Maggie O'Hara
Email: maggie.ohara@griffith.edu.au
Phone: 0421 630 693

For more information, please see the ANZCTR website.

QLD (Gold Coast University Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Townsville Hospital)

Yes

26/03/2025