Is Ocrevus a form of chemotherapy?
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is not chemotherapy, it is a targeted treatment that works by binding to a protein called CD20 that is present on the surface of B-lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. When Ocrevus binds to this protein, it causes B-cells to self-destruct or disintegrate.
Ocrevus may also be called a biologic or a monoclonal antibody.
Ocrevus is FDA approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and primary progressive MS, in adults. How Ocrevus exerts its effects in MS is unknown, but it is presumed to be due to self-destruction or disintegration of immature and mature B-lymphocytes, which are associated with inflammation and myelin damage.
Research has shown that Ocrevus is effective at reducing the number of relapses per year in people with MS, increasing the percentage of people who remain relapse-free, and reducing the rate of disability progression.
References
- Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) 05/2020 Genentech, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/ocrevus.html
- Ocrevus. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 2020 https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Ocrevus
Read next
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are man-made proteins that mimic the natural antibodies produced by our immune systems. Monoclonal antibodies can be formulated into medicines to treat various types of illnesses, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Continue reading
Is Kesimpta better than Ocrevus?
In patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is thought to be more effective than Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) in some ways, but no clinical trials have directly compared the two drugs
Ocrevus is the only one of the two drugs approved to treat primary progressive multiple sclerosis Continue reading
How much does an Ocrevus infusion cost?
Ocrevus costs approximately $20,769 for one 300 mg/10mL vial depending on the pharmacy you visit and based on using the Drugs.com discount card. Most people do not pay for the full cost of Ocrevus. This price is for cash paying customers and is not valid with insurance plans. People with commercial or private insurance may be eligible for Ocrevus Co-Pay assistance and pay as little as $0 per infusion. Co-pay assistance is provided up to $1,500 per calendar year in the first year and up to $1,000 each calendar year after. Continue reading
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