BRIEF—First-line Ocrevus use lowers costs, data show

Swiss drugmaker Roche has revealed new long-term data for Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), related to disease progression and healthcare costs in people with early-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

The data show that 77% of early-stage RRMS patients receiving Ocrevus as a first-line treatment had no evidence of disease activity after two years.

The treatment also reduced relapses, hospitalisations and costs compared with using Ocrevus as a second-line option.

The  details were presented at the 38th congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).

Chief medical officer Levi Garraway said the data show “substantial clinical and cost benefits to patients, thereby further emphasizing the efficacy that Ocrevus may bring with continued long-term use.”