New Ten-Minute Injection for MS Patients Approved by UK Regulator

Introduction

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the subcutaneous (SC) formulation of Roche’s Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) to treat adult patients with relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). This new ten-minute injection option is expected to be available in the coming weeks, providing patients with an additional treatment option. This option also enables patients to spend less time in hospitals while being treated, freeing up vital medical resources.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects over 150,000 people in the UK. This chronic and progressive condition causes a wide range of symptoms, including blurred vision, unsteadiness, tingling sensations, memory problems, weakness in limbs and fatigue. MS is typically categorized into two types: Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) and Primary Progressive MS (PPMS). RRMS accounts for about 85% of cases and is characterized by episodes of new or worsening signs or symptoms followed by periods of recovery. PPMS, on the hand, is seen in about 15% of patients and is marked by steadily worsening symptoms.

The Role of Ocrevus in Treating MS

Roch’s Ocrevus is a disease-modifying therapy designed to target immune cells thought to contribute to myelin and axonal damage, both of which can lead to disability in MS patients. The drug represents a significant breakthrough in MS care, being the first medication to alter the MS disease course. The previously approved intravenous (IV) infusion of the drug is typically given twice a year, but with the newly approved SC formulation, this process will be faster, providing more options for MS patients.

The Benefits of The New Ocrevus SC Formulation

The MHRA has approved the Ocrevus SC formulation that was shown to be equally effective as the IV treatment. Results from clinical trials show that 97% of patients experienced no relapses or progression of brain lesions. With this positive data, the NHS will be one of the first healthcare systems globally to offer the new injection. The new injection not only provides patients with another treatment option, but it also reduces their hospital treatment time while freeing up valuable resources for other patients who need them.

Implications for MS Patients and Clinicians

The latest approval of the Ocrevus SC formulation brings numerous benefits for clinicians and MS patients. For patients, the new injection provides a faster and more convenient treatment option while maintaining the effectiveness of the previously approved IV infusion. Moreover, this new treatment option allows patients to have greater control over their treatment options, choosing what works best for them. For clinicians, this reduction in treatment time not only allows for more efficient deployment of resources, but it also frees up capacity in hospitals for other patients who need the services.

Conclusion

The MHRA approval of Roch’s Ocrevus SC formulation marks a significant breakthrough in MS care. This new ten-minute injection option ensures that patients have additional treatment options and spend less time in the hospital while freeing up vital medical resources. With no doubt, the availability of the Ocrevus SC injection option will improve thousands of MS patients’ quality of life and positively impact MS care in the UK and globally.

Originally Post From https://pmlive.com/pharma_news/roches-subcutaneous-ocrevus-granted-mhra-approval-to-treat-relapsing-and-primary-ms/

Roche’s Ocrevus for Relapsing & Primary MS Receives MHRA Approval