Ocrevus approved for primary progressive MS in Scotland

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) as a treatment for primary progressive MS in Scotland.

SMC has recommended that Ocrevus can be prescribed by the NHS for people with early, inflammatory primary progressive MS. This covers people who:

• have had symptoms of primary progressive MS for less than 15 years and
• are able to walk at least 20 metres, with or without walking aids (up to EDSS 6.5) and
• have evidence of MS inflammatory activity on MRI scans

The MS Trust is delighted that Ocrevus has been approved for primary progressive MS. As the first approved treatment for progressive MS in Scotland, this is a landmark decision. But we know this is just the start. More treatments for progressive MS are still desperately needed, and we will continue to fight to ensure everyone with MS can access the treatments they need.

– David Martin, Chief Executive Officer, MS Trust

Ocrevus was approved as a treatment for primary progressive MS in England last year. Roche is working with the NHS in Wales and Northern Ireland to make Ocrevus available throughout the UK. Ocrevus has also been approved as a treatment for relapsing remitting MS in the UK.

About Ocrevus

Ocrevus is the first treatment to be approved for NHS treatment of primary progressive MS (PPMS). People with this form of MS experience disability more rapidly than those with other types. Clinical trials have shown that Ocrevus can slow the worsening of disability in early, inflammatory PPMS, with the potential to delay the need for a wheelchair by seven years.

Ocrevus is taken as an intravenous infusion (drip). The first dose is given as two separate infusions, two weeks apart. Further doses are given as one infusion every six months. The most common side effects include infusion-related reactions such as headache, rashes, fever and nausea. Other side effects include infections such as coughs, colds, chest infections and herpes virus infections (such as cold sores or shingles).