EU Green light for Ocrevus in primary progressive MS

Today, Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) was granted a licence by the European Commission to treat people with two forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) including the first and only licence for primary progressive MS (PPMS), the most debilitating form of the disease, in which disability increases from the outset.

Ocrevus, from Switzerland’s Roche (ROG: SIX), best known as the world’s largest cancer drugs maker, has also been licensed for relapsing MS (RMS), providing a new treatment option for these patients. The full approval comes after a positive opinion last November from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP).

Roche’s shares were up 1% at 246.95 Swiss francs in early trading this morning.