Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) helps preserve hand and arm function in PPMS

Last updated: 01 November 2019

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients commonly experience a gradual loss of dexterity and function in their hands and arms, especially those with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Usually these patients also have walking limitations, so it’s crucial that they are able to use their hands and arms to complete daily activities.

A previous study on Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) resulted in lower rates of disease progression in terms of the ability to walk, brain lesion volume, and total brain volume loss in MS patients. Now researchers have done an exploratory study specifically focussed on the effects of Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) on hands and arms in PPMS.

The researchers wrote that “findings from this analysis showed that ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) mitigated progression of UE impairment in patients with PPMS”. These results are very promising for patients confined to a wheelchair, as this has a big impact on their independence and quality of life. Read more at Multiple Sclerosis News Today.