Study Links Rituximab to Higher IBD Risk in MS Patients

A large Swedish cohort study published in JAMA Neurology found that rituximab, an anti-CD20 therapy used off-label for multiple sclerosis, is associated with an increased risk of new-onset inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers observed 40 new IBD cases in rituximab-treated MS patients compared to four in those on other MS therapies. Clinicians are now advised to consider this IBD risk when prescribing MS treatments and to monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms.