Roche's MS Treatment Fenebrutinib Shows Promising Trial Results

Swiss drugmaker Roche reported successful late-stage trial results for fenebrutinib, its multiple sclerosis drug candidate. The drug proved effective against relapsing MS and rivaled Roche's Ocrevus in delaying progression of primary progressive MS. It belongs to the BTK inhibitors class, aimed at selectively blocking harmful immune reactions.

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche announced that its latest clinical trial for the multiple sclerosis (MS) drug candidate, fenebrutinib, has successfully met its primary target. The drug was found to significantly lower the annualized relapse rate compared to teriflunomide, known commercially as Aubagio, over a minimum treatment span of 96 weeks.

Moreover, a parallel study revealed that fenebrutinib is at least as effective as Roche's existing Ocrevus formulation in delaying the progression of primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The drug retains its promise by belonging to the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors class, a category that selectively blocks detrimental autoimmune actions.

This advancement marks a significant milestone in a competitive field where Roche's fenebrutinib competes alongside Sanofi, despite some setbacks encountered by other pharmaceutical firms in developing similar therapies. This class offers a more precise targeting approach than traditional immunosuppressant treatments.

(With inputs from agencies.)