Roche Nabs FDA Approval for “Game-changing” Therapy for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

The Q1 edition of RealTime Dynamix™: Multiple Sclerosis published by Spherix Global Insights finds that adoption of Ocrevus will be quick for patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, but uptake will be more muted in patients with relapsing forms of the disease

Download Report Overview: Multiple Sclerosis
Download Report Overview: DMT Switching in MS

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The first quarter of 2017 culminates with one of the most highly anticipated events in the multiple sclerosis (MS) market – the approval of the first disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for primary progressive MS (PPMS), Ocrevus (ocrelizumab). While Ocrevus was also approved for relapsing forms of MS (RMS), demonstrating superior efficacy to EMD Serono’s Rebif on three efficacy parameters, neurologists report that, at least initially, the real appeal is the indication for PPMS where treatment options are virtually non-existent.

Treatment options in the RMS space are far from limited. In fact, several neurologists participating in the most recent survey expressed feeling “overwhelmed” with the number of DMTs available. Several other areas of unmet need in MS were rated significantly higher than the need for new DMTs for RMS – such as drugs to improve cognition, gait and fatigue.

According to the latest RealTime Dynamix: Multiple Sclerosis, Q1 2017 report, There are major shifts and controversies at play as current players attempt to gain share through differentiation with one of the biggest controversies being the Copaxone-Glatopa saga, where Sandoz’s generic version of market leader Copaxone is beginning to see gains. Over the past year, the prescribing base for Glatopa has increased from about a third to over one-half. At the same time, reported share for Teva’s Copaxone has significantly declined and neurologists predict this will continue as payers apply more pressure to use the generic form. An ardent group of loyalists does appear to challenge this practice, but overall payers call the shots. Should Sandoz capture an indication for an extended dosing option, truly placing it on par with Copaxone, a significant barrier for Glatopa will be removed.

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About Spherix Global Insights
Spherix Global Insights is a business intelligence and market research company, specializing in renal, autoimmune, neurologic and rare disease markets.  Our aim is to apply our commercial experience and unique relationships within core specialty markets to translate data into insight, enabling our clients to make smarter business decisions.

About RealTime Dynamix
RealTime Dynamix: Multiple Sclerosis is an independent report series published each quarter. The series tracks the evolution of the MS market, provides a deep dive on launch effectiveness and highlights opportunities for pipeline agents. The next wave of research will be fielded in May 2017 and will showcase the initial uptake of Ocrevus in both the PPMS and RMS settings.

For more information contact:
Robbie McCarthy, Chief Strategy Officer
Email: [email protected]
www.spherixglobalinsights.com