Thursday March 30 2017 03:09 PM
First treatment licensed for primary progressive MS in the US
Ocrelizumab has been approved as a treatment for both relapsing and primary progressive MS in the US. It is the first licensed treatment for people with primary progressive MS. The decision was made by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In its latest trial results, researchers found that ocrelizumab reduced relapses, MRI activity and slowed progression in relapsing MS. It was also found to slow progression in primary progressive MS.
Ocrelizumab is currently being reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the body responsible for drug licensing in Europe. A decision is expected later this year. The US decision came earlier because ocrelizumab was granted priority review status, which speeds up the licensing process. The EMA does not have a priority review system.
MS Ireland understands that Ocrelizumab is expected to receive a license from the European Medicines Agency in August. The pharmaceutical company can then start the process for licensing and reimbursement in Ireland. MS Ireland will be working hard to try and make this medication available to people with MS in Ireland as soon as possible and we will share any updates as we get them.
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