Roche announced that the European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for OCREVUS (ocrelizumab) subcutaneous (SC) for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). OCREVUS SC is a 10-minute injection that maintains the same twice-yearly schedule as the previously approved intravenous (IV) infusion. More than 350,000 people with multiple sclerosis have been treated with OCREVUS IV globally.

The approval is based on pivotal data from the Phase III OCARINA II trial, which showed non-inferior levels of OCREVUS in the blood, when administered subcutaneously, and a safety and efficacy profile comparable to the IV formulation in patients with RMS and PPMS. OCREVUS SC was well tolerated and no new safety concerns were identified. More than 92% of patients who were surveyed as part of the study reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the SC administration of OCREVUS. OCREVUS SC was developed to provide an alternative twice-a-year treatment option, in addition to IV, so that the administration of OCREVUS can be matched to the individual needs of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

The SC injection was designed to be HCP administered, with the flexibility to administer either in the clinic or in settings outside the clinic. Roche is committed to advancing innovative clinical research programmes to broaden the scientific understanding of multiple sclerosis, further reduce disability progression in RMS and PPMS and improve the treatment experiences for those living with multiple sclerosis.