Efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a rational position in the Colombian context

INTRODUCTION:Multiple sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory, chronic, degenerative, and incurable disease, associated with neuronal loss, increasing degrees of disability, and cognitive control. Its treatment causes great costs for health systems and society in general.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of rituximab in the management of multiple sclerosis.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Literature review and evaluation of mini-HTA type health technology in a collaborative network with the Multiple Sclerosis Committee of the Colombian Association of Neurology and the Global Institute of Clinical Excellence.RESULTS:27 full-text references were identified for the safety and efficacy analysis of rituximab in the management of multiple sclerosis. Cost analysis, epidemiological indicators, and pivotal studies of rituximab were incorporated into the analysis.CONCLUSION:The evidence analyzed confirms that rituximab therapy is effective and safe in the management of the forms of Recurrent-Remittent Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) and Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), with a lower rate of adverse events and discontinuation or withdrawal rates of treatment lower than other disease-modifying therapies.