The FDA has approved a new drug to treat multiple sclerosis. Ocrevus is the first medication approved for primary progressive MS, a form of the disease that slowly gets worse over time.
The drug, is also approved to treat relapsing-remitting MS, the most common form of the disease. The FDA says studies showed that patients receiving Ocrevus had fewer relapses and were less likely to suffer worsening disability.
“The idea of having a therapy approved to treat primary progressive MS even though it doesn’t represent a cure, is really exciting for ten percent of patients with MS who have that form of the disease,” said Dr. Robert Bermel, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic
The FDA granted this application breakthrough therapy designation and fast track designation. The manufacturer says Ocrevus should be available in the United States in about two weeks.
