Phase III clinical trials has been released for its multiple scleroses drug ocrelizumab, for use in relapsing forms of the disease or in cases of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)—and the results appear to be very promising.
Ocrelizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against immune B cells that express CD20 proteins at their surface. These cells are thought to be a key contributor to the myelin and neuron damage that leads to motor function impairment, irreversible neurological disability and paralysis in MS patients. “B cells can contribute to the pathophysiology of MS,” explained Dr. Hauser during his presentation, “targeting CD20-B cells may preserve B cell reconstitution and long-term immune memory.”
85% of patients with MS experience relapse, with each episode resulting in more loss of muscle control. Also, 10 – 15% of patients develop PPMS, where instead of relapsing, there is nearly constant deterioration. The new drug by Genetech is meant to treat both of these types of the disease.
In this latest test of the new drug, there were 3 trials involving 2,300 patients in all; 2 to test effectiveness in preventing relapse, and the third in slowing or stopping PPMS. In the announcement, Genentech reported the results of all 3 trials—in the first 2, called OPERAI and OPERAII, the company reported that the drug cut relapse by nearly 50% (46 in one, 47 in the other) compared to the current leading treatment, Rebif (which reduces relapse rate by 30%). In the third trial, the drug cut disability (as measured by the time it took to walk a certain distance, volume of brain lesions and loss of brain volume) by more than a quarter, officials reported, in 12 and 24 week test runs.
Genentech has also claimed that side effects of the drug are much less thanTysabri and Lemtrade, making it as safe to use as Rebif, and that could mean earlier administration for patients and thus improving quality of life for the approximately 2.3 million people around the world who have it. Roche plans to seek approval of ocrelizumab early next year which could allow for marketing the drug as early as 2017. The drug, if approved, would be given to patients 2 times a year via IV drip.
http://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/2015/10/10/exclusive-genentechroche-interview-ms-news-today-promising-ms-therapy-ocrelizumab-ectrims-2015/ http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-10-genentech-favorable-results-ms-drug.html
Recent Comments