Ocrevus®
ocrelizumab
Quick Facts
Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) is an immunosuppressant monoclonal antibody disease-modifying therapy.
In-clinic intravenous infusion.
In-clinic injection with Ocrevus Zunovo™ (please see information below).
Every 6 months
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary-progressive MS. Also approved for primary-progressive MS
Potential Benefit:
Compared to active comparator, Ocrevus®:
- Reduces relapses by approx. 46%
- Reduced new or enlarging T2 lesion volume by 77%
- People with primary-progressive MS (PPMS) taking Ocrevus® were 24% less likely to have disability progression compared to placebo.
Common Potential Side Effects
Infusion-related reactions, chest, gastrointestinal and skin infections, viral infections including herpes
Prescription Assistance:
For assistance finding additional resources that might help cover the costs of your prescription, contact MSAA.
Ocrevus Zunovo™ (ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq) is an injectable version of the original IV Ocrevus. This newer version is a subcutaneous injection that is given by a medical professional and the administration requires approximately 10 minutes.
Approved by the FDA in 2024, Ocrevus Zunovo™ is the same medication as the original IV Ocrevus and is associated with the same benefits and side effects, with the exception of the potential for injection-related reactions rather than infusion-related reactions. To enable Ocrevus to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, this injectable version contains a proprietary enzyme that increases the permeability of the tissue under the skin.
Hear from the Expert
Elizabeth Crabtree, MD
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to actively navigate decisions with patients.”
DRUGMAKER
Genentech
HOW Ocrevus® WORKS
Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets and kills B cells in the immune system. Ocrevus® stops B cells from penetrating the brain and spinal cord and attacking the myelin sheath that protects nerves. This helps stop inflammation and nerve damage.
FDA-Approved
Ocrevus® was FDA-approved in 2017 to treat adults with relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary-progressive disease. Also approved for primary-progressive MS.
Potential Side Effects
Infusion reactions (possibly serious) and increase in infections. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most common infection seen in studies with relapsing forms of MS (RMS) and primary-progressive MS (PPMS). Skin infection and lower respiratory tract infection were also common infections seen in studies with PPMS. Rare adverse events include cancer and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability over a period of weeks or months, but these risks are still being investigated.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION
Testing and check-ups every 6 months. The first 2 infusions (including check-up and observation) take approximately 5-6 hours. If Ocrevus is well-tolerated, third and subsequent infusions may take just over 2 hours. For those who experience a serious reaction, infusions may take at least 3.5 hours.
Testing completed prior to starting Ocrevus® includes: Complete Blood Count, hepatic function panel, varicella serology, Hepatitis B panel, and quantitative serum immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM). It is also common to test for varicella before starting treatment.
Annual testing completed after starting Ocrevus® includes: There are no exact guidelines but the tests noted above should be done at least yearly.
Regular testing completed after starting Ocrevus® includes: Hepatitis B screen and quantitative immunoglobulin testing. Quantitative immunoglobulin testing should be performed periodically thereafter.
Patient advocates talk about
their treatment experience
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Kristie Salerno Kent
“I have had situations where treatments aren’t approved at first. My doctors, nurses, they actually go to bat for me and made it happen.” -
Azure Antoinette
"I will be undergoing my first disease-modifying therapy to help treat multiple sclerosis in my body and while I’m very nervous, I am equally as excited and looking forward to the positive effects of how I will feel physically, and mentally, and emotionally." -
Damian Washington
“Nobody’s going to be looking out for your best interests better than you.” -
Cathy Chester
“I think it’s really important to talk about how to age with this illness.” -
Lauren Hutton-Work
“Just because you have this disease does not mean that your work life should be awkward or uncomfortable.” -
Chernise Joseph
“My first neurologist was a frontline neurologist, he wasn’t an MS specialist.” -
Julian Gamboa
“If you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis remember it’s always okay to get a second opinion.” -
Lauren and Sam Alcorn
“Our future is uncertain and we have to enjoy each other and love each other in the present.” -
Shawn Feliciano
“I want to know what medications might work best for someone who’s Hispanic.” -
Darlene Feigen
“The sooner you get on a therapy the better it is in the long run.” -
Birgit Bauer
“At the end of the appointment you should have an answer to the most important questions.” -
Ellen Tutton
“I looked up all the different disease-modifying therapies and compared them to my lifestyle.” -
Victoria Marie Reese
“I’m trying to show my daughter that taking care of yourself is cool.”
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