A CLINICAL STUDY — Approval of the new formulation was based on preliminary results of an open-label noninferiority trial (OCARINA II) in 236 patients 18-65 years old with primary progressive or relapsing MS.1 At 12 weeks, the serum AUC (area under the concentration-time curve) of ocrelizumab following SC administration of ocrelizumab 920 mg was noninferior to that with IV administration of ocrelizumab 600 mg. Near-complete suppression of MRI lesion and relapse activity up to week 24 was achieved with both formulations and adverse effects were similar.

DOSAGE, ADMINISTRATION, AND COST — IV ocrelizumab is infused over at least 2 hours. The new formulation is injected subcutaneously in the abdomen over 10 minutes. Both IV and SC ocrelizumab are given every 6 months by a healthcare professional. Premedication with a corticosteroid and an antihistamine before each dose is recommended to reduce the risk of local and systemic reactions. The wholesale acquisition cost for one year’s treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo is $78,858.2

CONCLUSION — Subcutaneous Ocrevus Zunovo offers a shorter and more convenient method of administration than intravenous ocrelizumab at the same cost.