Ocrelizumab Reduced Disability Progression in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis and Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Individuals with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) who were treated with ocrelizumab (Ocrevus; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) for 7.5 years vs 5.5 years (after ~2 years on interferon β) had a 35% lower chance of needing a walking aid (5.2% vs. 7%, 95% CI: 0.44–0.97; P=.034). The annualized relapse rate (ARR) decreased from 0.2 preswitch to 0.1 after 1 year of ocrelizumab treatment and to 0.03 after 5.5 years of ocrelizumab treatment. 

In people with a primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), 29% reduction in 48-week confirmed disability progression (CDP) after 8 years vs 7 years (after 2.3 years in placebo treatment) (95% CI: 0.57–0.87; P=.001). Upper limb disability progression, measured by the 9-hole peg test (9-HPT), was also reduced in those treated with ocrelizumab for 8 vs 7.5 years 95% CI: 0.50–0.86; P=.002).

In these post-hoc analyses, the risk disease progression for RMS was measured by time reach Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 6 or more at least 48 weeks. 

“Many neurologists have had first-hand experience with Ocrevus over eight years in clinical trials and witnessed the consistently favorable efficacy and safety outcomes in RMS and PPMS, especially the reductions in progression to disability when given early in the disease,” said Levi Garraway, MD, PhD chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “Additionally, 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.”

These data are being presented virtually at the 37th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS). No new safety findings were observed.