How a Multiple Sclerosis Medication Works Across Different Racial Groups

This study is investigating how well ocrelizumab works in treating relapsing multiple sclerosis in both African American and Caucasian patients. Ocrelizumab is an FDA-approved medication that helps reduce MS relapses and slow disability by targeting certain immune cells in the body. Researchers want to understand whether this medication works equally well for people of different racial backgrounds, and whether the imaging scans show similar improvements in the brain and eyes.

Previous research suggests that African Americans with MS may experience a more aggressive form of the disease with more brain lesions and eye damage compared to Caucasians. This study exists to find out whether this medication helps both groups equally, and to better understand any differences in how their disease and treatment response might differ.