Roche’s Ocrevus Zunovo Gets FDA Nod as First SC Injection for MS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Roche’s latest innovation, Ocrevus Zunovo (ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq), marking a breakthrough in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This new therapy is designed to treat both relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), two forms of the disease that can have devastating impacts on patients' lives.

What sets Ocrevus Zunovo apart is its novel delivery method: it’s the first and only subcutaneous (SC) injection for MS that is administered just twice a year, with each session lasting about 10 minutes. This new option is a game-changer for MS patients, as it significantly reduces the burden of treatment compared to intravenous (IV) infusions, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. For patients, particularly those with mobility issues or limited access to healthcare facilities, this quick and easy injection could mean a huge improvement in their quality of life.

The approval of Ocrevus Zunovo is especially significant for people living with PPMS, a more severe and disabling form of MS. Before the launch of Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) in 2017, there were no FDA-approved treatments available for PPMS, leaving many patients without effective options to manage their disease. Ocrevus changed that, becoming a crucial tool in the fight against PPMS, and now Ocrevus Zunovo offers an even more convenient form of treatment.

Roche’s innovative SC injection combines ocrelizumab, an antibody that targets and depletes immune cells that contribute to nerve damage in MS, with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that helps the drug spread more quickly under the skin, allowing for fast, efficient delivery. This combination allows the drug to be administered in a fraction of the time it takes for an IV infusion, while still providing the same powerful, disease-modifying effects.

With Ocrevus and now Ocrevus Zunovo, Roche has cemented its place as a leader in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, offering patients more freedom and flexibility to manage their condition. This approval represents a major step forward, not just in terms of convenience, but in improving the overall experience for those living with both RMS and PPMS.

For patients and healthcare providers, the benefits of Ocrevus Zunovo are clear: fewer treatment sessions, faster administration, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have a powerful, FDA-approved option to tackle even the toughest forms of MS.