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Ocrevus (OCRELIZUMAB)
Ocrevus works by binding to the CD20 protein on B cells, marking them for destruction and reducing their ability to contribute to the disease process.
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody developed by Genentech Inc. It targets B-lymphocyte antigen CD20, a protein found on the surface of certain immune cells. Ocrevus is used to treat primary progressive multiple sclerosis, a chronic and progressive disease that affects the central nervous system. The drug is patented and commercially available, with a half-life of 26 days. Key safety considerations include infusion reactions and increased risk of infections.
At a glance
| Generic name | OCRELIZUMAB |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Roche |
| Drug class | CD20-directed Cytolytic Antibody [EPC] |
| Target | B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 |
| Modality | Monoclonal antibody |
| Therapeutic area | Neuroscience |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 2017 |
| Annual revenue | 6500 |
Mechanism of action
The precise mechanism by which ocrelizumab exerts its therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis is unknown, but is presumed to involve binding to CD20, cell surface antigen present on pre-B and mature lymphocytes. Following cell surface binding to lymphocytes, ocrelizumab results in antibody-dependent cellular cytolysis and complement-mediated lysis.
Approved indications
- Primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Common side effects
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Infusion reactions
- Skin infections
- Lower respiratory tract infections
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Edema peripheral
- Herpes virus-associated infections
- Back pain
- Pain in extremity
- Depression
- Decreased neutrophil counts
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Fenebrutinib Compared With Ocrelizumab in Adult Participants With Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE3)
- Effects of Ocrelizumab Treatment on Immune Cells in Lymph Nodes in Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE4)
- Ocrelizumab Discontinuation in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE4)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Ocrelizumab in Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis and Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE4)
- People With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab and GLP-1 Agonists
- Effect of Ocrelizumab on Choroid Plexus Changes in Patients With PPMS
- Comparison Between ABP 692 and Ocrevus® (Ocrelizumab) (PHASE3)
- Comparative PK, PD, Efficacy, and Safety Assessment of the Proposed Ocrelizumab Biosimilar CYB704 and Ocrevus in Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| SEC EDGAR | Revenue + earnings |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ocrevus CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ocrevus updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Roche portfolio CI