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ocrelizumabu 200mg

Chugai Pharmaceutical · discontinued Small molecule

Ocrelizumab selectively depletes CD20+ B lymphocytes to suppress autoimmune-mediated inflammation.

Ocrelizumab 200 mg is a monoclonal antibody developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical that targets CD20-expressing B cells, designed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. The drug mechanism involves selective depletion of B lymphocytes, which play a central role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by producing autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Ocrelizumab entered clinical development with a Phase 2 trial in rheumatoid arthritis (N=152) sponsored by Chugai Pharmaceutical; however, this trial was terminated, and the program was subsequently discontinued. The discontinuation suggests either insufficient efficacy signals, safety concerns, or strategic portfolio decisions by Chugai, as the competitive landscape for B-cell-targeting biologics in RA was already well-established with approved agents such as rituximab and ocrelizumab (Ocrevus, developed by Roche/Genentech for MS). No FDA approval, EMA marketing authorization, or regulatory designation was achieved. The commercial and clinical significance of this asset is minimal given its discontinued status and lack of regulatory advancement beyond early-stage clinical evaluation.

At a glance

Generic nameocrelizumabu 200mg
SponsorChugai Pharmaceutical
Drug classB-cell depleting monoclonal antibody; immunosuppressant
TargetCD20 (cluster of differentiation 20)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaImmunology
Phasediscontinued

Mechanism of action

Ocrelizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20, a cell surface antigen expressed on B lymphocytes at various stages of maturation. By targeting CD20, the drug triggers B-cell destruction through multiple mechanisms including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and direct induction of apoptosis. In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, B cells contribute to disease pathology by producing autoantibodies (such as rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies), presenting antigens to T cells, and secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. By depleting these B-cell populations, ocrelizumab aims to interrupt the autoimmune cascade and reduce joint inflammation, synovitis, and progression of structural damage. The selective targeting of CD20 allows for B-cell depletion while largely sparing other immune cell populations, though some immunosuppression is expected.

Approved indications

No approved indications tracked.

Pipeline indications

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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