After years of research, Roche’s improved multiple sclerosis drug formula gives new hope to patients. According to the manufacturer, the innovation of the new drugs for multiple sclerosis is the protection they offer against symptoms of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
- Roche’s improved formula in a nutshell
- Medical experiments that have been conducted to prove the efficiency of the new MS drug.
- Medical facts about multiple sclerosis
Roche, the world-renowned pharmaceutical company, has recently disclosed reports on their new multiple sclerosis drug, Ocrelizumab. This antibody has been under tests since 2010 because the Swiss manufacturer had reasons to believe that the drug is highly effective against multiple sclerosis, in general and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), in particular.
Unlike most MS drugs existing on the market at present, Ocrelizumab is the only one that can alleviate symptoms of PPMS. Patients suffering from this affection were normally administered Rebif, but Roche and other drug producers have stated that this drug is only effective for regular cases of multiple sclerosis.
Ocrelizumab has been through a series of medical tests ever since its efficiency against PPMS was first discovered in 2010. The positive influence of the new multiple sclerosis drug on PPMS was noticed after researchers investigated a group of 732 patients. Unfortunately, the first tests were stopped because 10% participants suffered from side effects.
Ulterior studies have revealed that Roche’s improved multiple sclerosis drug formula can prevent patients from relapsing. Indeed, a 47% reduction rate was registered among MS patients within the following year; therefore, Roche decided to continue the experiment.
The following two studies involved the participation of 1,656 patients. At the end of the experiment, Roche scientists have concluded that Ocrelizumab has the capacity to reduce multiple sclerosis progression by 25 percent over a period of 24 weeks.
Due to these promising results, medical experts estimate that Ocrelizumab could soon replace Rebif. The monoclonal antibody can better target affected nerves; therefore, it is much more effective than past medicines.
Multiple sclerosis affects approximately 400,000 U.S. residents. Recent statistics have revealed that 15 percent of these patients suffer from primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) instead of regular sclerosis. Unfortunately, the existing treatments are only effective for MS symptoms, whereas PPMS is rarely treated.
Image source: www.pixabay.com
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.