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Ocrelizumab: First Global Approval

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Abstract

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus™) is a humanised anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has been developed by Genentech, Inc. (a subsidiary of Roche) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug is designed to deplete B cells, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of MS. In March 2017, ocrelizumab was approved in the USA for the treatment of patients with relapsing or primary progressive forms of MS; currently, it is awaiting approval in the EU for the same indications. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of ocrelizumab leading to its first global approval for the treatment of MS.

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Disclosure

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from any comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific completeness and accuracy. J. E. Frampton is a salaried employee of Adis, Springer SBM.

Additional information about this Adis Drug Review can be found at http://www.medengine.com/Redeem/9128F0606D6A2778.

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  1. Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    James E. Frampton

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  1. James E. Frampton
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Correspondence to James E. Frampton.

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This profile has been extracted and modified from the AdisInsight database. AdisInsight tracks drug development worldwide through the entire development process, from discovery, through pre-clinical and clinical studies to market launch and beyond.

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Frampton, J.E. Ocrelizumab: First Global Approval. Drugs 77, 1035–1041 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-017-0757-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-017-0757-6

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