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Navigating Multiple Sclerosis: Insights into Ocrevus and Disease Management

NextEdge Admin

06 Nov 2023

3 min 31 sec

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is commonly classified as an autoimmune disease where the immune system erroneously attacks the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord. This results in the targeting of myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to inflammation, demyelination, and damage to the nerve fibers.

The predominant type of MS is Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), affecting 85% of individuals at diagnosis. It is characterized by distinct symptom flare-ups followed by partial or complete recovery. Remission in RRMS signifies no apparent disease progression. In contrast, Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) is less prevalent and is characterized by a steady progression of symptoms with no remission periods, in contrast to the stability seen in RRMS. PPMS comprises 10-15% of MS cases.

In MS, T cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, infiltrate the central nervous system, recognizing myelin as foreign and triggering inflammation. B cells in MS produce antibodies against myelin proteins, forming immune complexes that exacerbate inflammation and demyelination.

The treatment of MS aims to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall quality of life. Tailored treatment plans consider factors such as MS type and severity. Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) are utilized to reduce relapses and disability progression, while symptomatic treatments address specific symptoms. Corticosteroids are employed to manage inflammation during relapses, with medications like methylprednisolone used for relapse management.

A recent development in MS treatment is Ocrelizumab, marketed as Ocrevus by Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche Pharma. Approved in over 100 countries, including India, the drug has been available in the US since 2017. Ocrevus, a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, targets CD 20 markers on B lymphocytes, suppressing their ability to create antibodies attacking the myelin sheath. Roche claims Ocrevus is the first approved disease-modifying therapy for both RRMS and PPMS. Real-world data indicates positive outcomes, with over 80% of RRMS and 33% of PPMS patients treated with Ocrevus showing no disability progression. Early initiation of the drug reportedly saved almost 10 years of disease progression in RRMS patients. Additionally, after 10 years of continuous therapy, 92% of RRMS patients and 80% of PPMS patients did not require walking aids or wheelchairs, respectively.