Roche says trial drug for multiple sclerosis meets primary endpoint

Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX) on Monday said late stage trials for its drug to treat primary progressive multiple sclerosis met its primary endpoint.

The company said Phase III trials showed treatment with the drug candidate, ocrelizumab, significantly reduced the progression of clinical disability sustained for at least 12 weeks compared with placebo.

Overall, the incidence of adverse effects associated with the trial drug was similar to placebo with the most common adverse events being mild-to-moderate infusion-related reactions.