Ocrevus Is Beneficial for Disability Progression of Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

New long-term data reinforces the benefit of early initiation and ongoing treatment of ocrelizumab (Ocrevus, Roche) for disability progression in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), according to a company statement.

“The new safety analysis of the shorter 2-hour Ocrevus infusion is encouraging, particularly for groups that are often underrepresented in clinical trials. We continue our commitment to diversity and health equity in clinical trial participation and access to treatment,” Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, chief medical officer and head of global product development at Roche, said in the statement.

Data show that ocrelizumab had a favorable benefit-risk profile over 8 years.

Early intervention with ocrelizumab resulted in a 35% reduction of risk in individuals with RMS who needed a walking aid over 7 and a half years compared with those who switched from interferon beta-1a to ocrelizumab after the 96-week period.

Additionally, ocrelizumab slowed disability progression for individuals with PPMS after 8 years with earlier intervention in a reduction of 29% in 48 weeks compared with those who switched from ocrelizumab to a placebo after at least 120 weeks.

Investigators will present 4 late-breaking abstracts of the latest data regarding COVID-19 and vaccine response in individuals treated with ocrelizumab at the 37th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis.

Reference

Data up to 8-years for Roche’s OCREVUS (ocrelizumab) show early and ongoing treatment significantly reduced risk of requiring a walking aid in relapsing multiple sclerosis and disability progression in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Roche. News release. October 13, 2021. Accessed on October 13, 2021. https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2021-10-13.htm