The data from the Phase III trial demonstrated that the SC injection of Ocrevus was consistent with intravenous (IV) infusion and resulted in nearly complete suppression of relapse activity (97%) and MRI lesions (97.2%) over 48 weeks. This treatment has the potential to be a game-changer for patients, as it offers a convenient, twice-yearly injection that can be administered in just 10 minutes.

The safety profile of Ocrevus SC injection was found to be consistent with the well-established safety profile of Ocrevus IV infusion. The most common adverse events were mild or moderate injection reactions, such as skin redness or irritation, which did not lead to treatment withdrawal.

The study results are particularly significant for the MS community, as they offer hope for improved treatment options that can be more easily administered and accessed by patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have accepted Roche's filings based on the data from OCARINA II, with approvals anticipated in September 2024 and mid-2024, respectively."

These findings represent a significant step forward in the treatment of MS and underscore Roche's commitment to advancing innovative clinical research programmes to improve outcomes for patients living with the disease. With more than 30 ongoing Ocrevus clinical trials, Roche continues to explore new ways to address the needs of individuals affected by MS.

Overall, the results of the OCARINA II study offer new hope for MS patients, with the potential for a more convenient and effective treatment option on the horizon.