Roche has unveiled its pricing strategy for Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) in the UK market, positioning the newly approved multiple sclerosis treatment at price parity with Novartis's established therapy Gilenya (fingolimod). The strategic pricing decision comes as Roche seeks to establish a strong foothold in the competitive MS treatment landscape.
Marius Scholtz, country medical lead for Roche UK, confirmed that Ocrevus will be priced comparably to other highly effective MS treatments. "The price will be similar to other highly effective medicines. It will not be the most expensive but it will not be the cheapest – a very effective drug at the same list price as Gilenya," Scholtz stated.
Pricing and Administration Details
Based on NICE's 2012 assessment of Gilenya, which cited an annual cost of £19,169 per patient, Ocrevus is expected to be priced at approximately £10,000 per infusion. The treatment regimen involves two initial infusions two weeks apart, followed by twice-yearly administrations.
Revolutionary PPMS Treatment Pathway
In a significant advancement for MS treatment, Ocrevus has become the first approved therapy for primary progressive MS (PPMS). However, Scholtz cautioned that NICE approval for the PPMS indication might face extended timelines due to its pioneering status. "In PPMS we are still working on our submission – it is slightly more complex and will require more work to get into NICE. It will require a different review because the patient populations are very different," he explained.
Competitive Advantages and Safety Profile
Ocrevus enters a crowded market with several distinct advantages over existing treatments. Unlike Biogen's Tysabri (natalizumab), Ocrevus has shown no direct association with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). While one PML case was reported in an Ocrevus patient, Roche attributed this to previous Tysabri treatment.
The drug also presents a favorable side effect profile compared to oral alternatives like Biogen's Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), which is known for gastrointestinal complications. Ocrevus's most common side effects are limited to itching, rash, and breathing difficulties.
Market Performance and Regulatory Considerations
Ocrevus has already demonstrated strong market performance in the US, generating approximately $500 million in revenue during its first six months. In the UK, the drug's approval process is underway, with Roche actively engaging with NICE for assessment in relapsing disease.
The company aims to secure NICE approval for regular NHS funding by year-end, though the timeline for PPMS indication remains less certain. The approval process may be subject to additional review if costs exceed £20 million in any of the first three years of market presence.
