Ofatumumab Linked to Retinal Protection in MS

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Key Takeaway

Over two years, MS patients on ofatumumab showed preserved retinal nerve cells while patients on other treatments had noticeable retinal thinning.

What They Found

The study used a painless eye scan called OCT (like a camera that takes thin slices of the back of the eye) to measure a layer of nerve cells called the ganglion cell layer (GCL) that can thin when MS causes nerve damage.Researchers followed 85 eyes from 47 relapsing-remitting MS patients for 24 months and compared those starting ofatumumab (a medicine that lowers certain immune B cells) to patients on other standard MS medicines.Patients treated with ofatumumab had nearly no GCL thinning over 2 years (almost stable), while the control group showed clear thinning of this nerve cell layer, which suggests more ongoing nerve damage in that group.Even after adjusting for differences like age, how long someone had MS, and disability level, ofatumumab was linked to less loss of these retinal nerve cells, meaning the effect was not just due to those other factors.The study suggests the eye scan (OCT) can pick up small changes over time and might help doctors see whether treatments protect nerves, not just reduce relapses.

Who Should Care and Why

People with relapsing-remitting MS should care because preserved retinal nerve cells may reflect broader protection of nerves in the brain and spinal cord; think of it like keeping more wires in a cable intact so signals keep flowing better.Caregivers can use this information to discuss treatment goals with doctors—beyond preventing relapses, some treatments may help protect nerve tissue over time.Neurologists and eye specialists might use OCT scans more often as a simple check to see whether a treatment is protecting nerve cells, similar to checking oil in a car to catch problems early.Patients considering or already on ofatumumab may find reassurance that this drug showed signs of protecting retinal nerve cells compared with some other therapies, which could matter for long-term vision and function.This could affect daily life by encouraging more regular eye scans as part of MS follow-up and by informing shared decisions about treatment choices focused on long-term nerve health.

Important Considerations

This was an observational study, not a randomized trial, so patients were not assigned by chance; people on ofatumumab started with different characteristics (like longer disease and more disability), which can affect results.The number of patients was modest and the follow-up was two years, so we can’t be sure the same effect holds for longer times or in all types of MS; bigger and longer studies are needed to confirm protection.OCT measures the eye and is a useful sign of nerve health, but it is an indirect measure — preserved retinal thickness suggests less nerve damage but does not prove complete protection of the whole nervous system.

Categories:

MS Diagnostics Treatment Updates MS Progression

Article Topics:

Anti-CD20BiomarkersMultiple sclerosisNeurodegenerationNeuroprotectionOCT

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Journal of neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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