Research News

Recent News and Study Updates in MS Research

By Susan Wells Courtney and Tom Garry
Reviewed by Dr. Barry A. Hendin, MSAA Chief Medical Officer

FDA Approval of Subcutaneous Ocrevus

Approved in 2017 for both relapsing (RMS) and primary-progressive (PPMS) forms of MS, Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) originally given only via intravenous infusion. On September 13, 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication to be given via subcutaneous injection – a simpler route of administration. Both given twice-yearly, the infusion takes 2 to 4 hours and the injection takes about 10 minutes. Pre- and post-treatment procedures add to these times.

Marketed as Ocrevus Zunovo™ (ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq), this new version contains a proprietary enzyme that increases the permeability of the tissue under the skin, allowing Ocrevus to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Its approval was based on the results of the Phase III OCARINA II trial, which showed blood levels of Ocrevus when given subcutaneously, as well as the safety and efficacy profile, to be comparable to the intravenous formulation in people with RMS and PPMS. Ocrevus is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to target CD20-positive B cells, a type of immune cell thought to be involved in MS, and is the only DMT approved for PPMS.1

MSAA Survey Defines Barriers to Care and Unmet Needs in MS

What are the biggest barriers to care faced by people with MS? MSAA recently asked that question (and others) in a nationwide survey. Of the 620 people who responded:

  • 35% were unable to afford medical care
  • 33% were unable to find MS care in their community
  • 31% had difficulty finding doctors to coordinate their MS care
  • 20% lacked health insurance
  • 19% did not have access to transportation

Given those findings, it is perhaps not surprising – though still distressing – that 42% of respondents reported not seeing a multiple sclerosis specialist to manage their MS. Further, 43% said they were not able to work due to disability from MS. The survey participants were age 18 years and older, most of whom reported living with MS for 11 years or more.

In presenting these findings at the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC) 2024 Annual Meeting, the study’s authors explained, “Demographics, socio-economic status, age, race, ethnicity, and community play a significant role in the ability to access resources and healthcare.” The end goal of the initiative, they added, is to “design personalized and targeted interventions to serve these MS communities.”2

Treating PPMS with Glatiramer Acetate

A Phase IIa study is assessing the efficacy and safety of 40-mg and 25-mg doses of extended-release glatiramer acetate given monthly in people with primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).3 This disease-modifying therapy (DMT) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 for relapsing forms of MS.

Between 10% to 15% of people with multiple sclerosis have PPMS, which is marked by a continuous decline in neurological function without early relapses or remissions. While Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) is the only DMT currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of PPMS, several other potential therapies are in late stages of evaluation for treatment of PPMS, including extended-release glatiramer acetate.

For More Information

To speak with a Client Services Specialist, please call MSAA’s Helpline at (800) 532-7667, ext. 154, or email MSquestions@mymsaa.org.

References

  1. Genentech. September 13, 2024. Accessed at https://www.gene.com/media/press-releases.
  2. Rivera Y, Kline A, Montague A. A means to close gaps in multiple sclerosis care. CMSC 2024 Annual Meeting. Abstract QOL20.
  3. Flechter S, Miller AE, Popper L. Glatiramer acetate depot (extended release) Phase IIa study in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis: safety and efficacy snapshot. CMSC 2024 Annual Meeting. Abstract DMT21.

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