Data on Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Receiving Ocrelizumab: CHIMES Trial 

The CHIMES study assessed the efficacy and safety of ocrelizumab in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino individuals with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Recognizing that these groups are often underrepresented in clinical trials, the study aimed to address their potentially higher rates of MS incidence and disease progression compared to White individuals. 

This phase 4, prospective, open-label, single-arm study included participants 18 to 65 years old with baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 0 to 5.5. Participants received 2 initial 300-mg infusions of ocrelizumab 14 days apart, followed by 600 mg every 24 weeks for 1 year, with an optional 3-year extension. The primary endpoint of the study was the proportion of participants achieving no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) at 48 weeks, defined by the absence of relapses, confirmed disability progression, and new or enhancing lesions. 

Among 182 participants, 62% were Black/African American and 38% were Hispanic/Latino, with a mean age of 35.5 years. Approximately half of the participants achieved NEDA (46% of Black/African American and 58% of Hispanic/Latino), with high rates of relapse-free status (94.7% for both groups). The study reported no deaths, with 80.2% experiencing at least 1 adverse event, but only 5.5% having serious adverse events. The findings suggest that ocrelizumab is an effective treatment option for these populations, reinforcing previous studies on its safety and efficacy. 

Reference 

Amezcua L, Monson N, Williams M, et al. One-year analysis of efficacy and safety data from black/african american and hispanic/latino people with relapsing multiple sclerosis receiving ocrelizumab treatment in the CHIMES trial. Presented at: the American Academy of Neurology 2024 Annual Meeting; October 25-27, 2024; Paradise, NV; Abstract PL5.004.