Media release: Ocrevus SC Registration

New multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment projected to save more than 1,300 days of hospital infusion time across Aotearoa annually

OCREVUS® Subcutaneous (SC) (ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase) has been registered by Medsafe in Aotearoa New Zealand for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)1. OCREVUS intravenous (IV) is currently publicly funded in New Zealand as an infusion into the vein for some people with RMS and PPMS2.

Pharmac is now reviewing OCREVUS SC for public funding and Roche is working alongside to bring it to Kiwi patients as soon as possible, at no additional cost to the healthcare system.

For New Zealand’s healthcare system, IV infusion services in hospitals are facing increasing pressure due to capacity constraints. Subcutaneous administration offers a quick and efficient way to deliver medicines to patients either in or outside a hospital setting, helping to overcome these hurdles and promote a more convenient and flexible treatment option.

The new treatment is administered as a 10-minute injection under the skin every six months – offering the same twice-yearly dosing schedule as the currently funded IV infusion. While the IV formulation takes several hours to infuse, OCREVUS SC delivers both the initial and ongoing doses in just 10 minutes3. This results in a time saving of 13 hours per patient in the first year, and up to 7 hours each year after that3.

OCREVUS SC has the potential to reduce strain on public infusion centres and improve access to care across Aotearoa, with local modelling estimating up to 20,000 hours or 1,309 days of equivalent hospital infusion time could be freed up across the system each year3. At a single infusion centre, the time savings could equate to seven or eight additional MS patients being treated each day.

Multiple Sclerosis NZ (MSNZ), the national advocacy organisation for people living with MS, welcomes the registration and encourages timely access through PHARMAC.

“The registration of Ocrevus SC is a meaningful development for people living with MS across Aotearoa. In most cases it is a treatable and manageable condition, but with almost 3,000 of the 5,000 diagnosed New Zealanders already receiving treatment - many on Ocrevus IV - this new formulation represents greater flexibility, reduced treatment burden and the potential to integrate care more easily into everyday life. For many, shorter infusion times will mean people are able to focus more on living their lives and less on managing their condition.” says Amanda Rose, National Manager for MSNZ.

“The potential to ease pressure on hospital infusion services is another important advantage that we want PHARMAC and the government to take note of. We look forward to progress being made on PHARMAC funding to ensure equitable access to the best medicines for everyone, no matter where they live,” Rose adds.

Dr Kerryn Symons, Country Medical Director of Roche Products New Zealand, says the subcutaneous form of OCREVUS supports an improved patient experience and can free up capacity in our health system, at no extra cost. Modern, patient-centric health systems offer a spectrum of tools to treat a disease or disorder – subcutaneous treatment is one such tool.

Spending less time in hospital improves a patient’s quality of life and their productivity. It’s better for the patient, it’s better for the health system, and it’s better for the economy.

“The registration of OCREVUS SC marks an important step toward improving access and experience for people living with MS. This formulation offers the same proven efficacy in a more time-efficient format, which could ease pressure on hospitals and improve flexibility for patients.

“We are working constructively with Pharmac to ensure this treatment option is made available to eligible New Zealanders as soon as possible. Enabling access to more convenient treatment formats like OCREVUS SC is one way we can support both patient wellbeing and a more sustainable health system,” says Dr Symons.

For more information about OCREVUS IV, please visit getonwithlife.co.nz or for more information about MS visit msnz.org.nz.

ENDS

References:

1. OCREVUS Data Sheet. Available at www.medsafe.govt.nz

2. Pharmac Hospital Medicines List. Available at www.pharmac.govt.nz

3. Roche Data on file

Additional information about OCREVUS (ocrelizumab)The subcutaneous (SC) formulation combines OCREVUS with Halozyme Therapeutics’ Enhanze® drug delivery technology.

OCREVUS is a humanised monoclonal antibody designed to target CD20-positive B cells, a specific type of immune cell thought to be a key contributor to myelin (nerve cell insulation and support) and axonal (nerve cell) damage. This nerve cell damage can lead to disability in people with MS.

The Enhanze® drug delivery technology is based on a proprietary recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), an enzyme that locally and temporarily degrades hyaluronan – a glycosaminoglycan or chain of natural sugars in the body – in the subcutaneous space. This increases the permeability of the tissue under the skin, allowing OCREVUS to enter, and enabling it to be rapidly dispersed and absorbed into the bloodstream.

OCREVUS IV and SC are the only therapies approved for both RMS and PPMS. OCREVUS IV is administered by intravenous infusion every six months. The initial dose is given as two 300 mg infusions given two weeks apart. Subsequent doses are given as single 600mg infusions. OCREVUS SC is administered in 10 minutes by subcutaneous injection every six months. 

Ocrevus® IV (ocrelizumab) 300mg/10mL for intravenous infusion, and Ocrevus® SC (ocrelizumab 920 mg/23 mL for subcutaneous injection) are Prescription Medicines used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). 

Ask your doctor if Ocrevus is right for you.

Ocrevus IV is a funded medicine when given as an infusion into the vein, for patients who meet defined criteria. A prescription charge and doctor's fees apply.

Ocrevus SC is an unfunded medicine when given as an injection under the skin.

Ask your health professional about the cost of the medicine and other fees that may apply. 

Use only as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your healthcare professional.

For more information about Ocrevus:

● talk to your health professional; or

● visit medsafe.govt.nz for Ocrevus Consumer Medicine Information; or

● visit getonwithlife.co.nz or call Roche on 0800 276 243 

Ocrevus has risks and benefits.

Possible common side effects include: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing; swelling of other parts of your body; shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing; skin problems including rash, itchiness or hives; feeling sick (nausea); fever, flushing or chills; cough, throat irritation or pain; feeling tired; headache; dizziness or lightheadedness; fast heartbeat.

Do not use Ocrevus if: you have had an allergic reaction to Ocrevus or any of the ingredients.

Tell your doctor if: you have an infection, or a history of a recurring or long-term infection such as hepatitis B; you are taking or have previously taken medicines which may affect your immune system, such as other medicines for MS you or your child intend to have or have had immunisation with any vaccine; you are allergic to any other medicines or any other substances such as foods, preservatives or dyes; you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant; you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed; if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you have bought without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop; you notice any signs of an infection such as fever or chills, cold sore, shingles or genital sores; stuffy nose or chest; thick mucus in the nose, throat or chest; persistent cough; difficulty sleeping (insomnia); diarrhoea, vomiting and/or stomach cramps (gastroenteritis); skin infections, sinus infections.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Centre if you notice any of the following: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing; swelling of other parts of your body; shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing; local reaction at the injection site (Ocrevus SC only), skin problems including rash, itchiness or hives; feeling sick (nausea); fever, flushing or chills; cough, throat irritation or pain; feeling tired; headache; dizziness or lightheadedness; fast heartbeat.

Panel dated April 2025. All trademarks mentioned herein are protected by law. Roche Products (New Zealand) Limited, Auckland.

Roche Products (New Zealand) Limited, Auckland. Phone 0800 656 464. M-NZ-00001282/MR11737/APRIL2025