The effectiveness of Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) versus Kesimpta (selinexor) for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment can be analyzed by examining their clinical trial data and pharmacokinetic profiles.
Ocrevus, developed by Roche, is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-positive B cells [1]. In a Phase III trial, Ocrevus demonstrated a significant reduction in the annualized relapse rate (ARR) and delayed disease progression in comparison to placebo [2]. The FDA approved Ocrevus in 2017 for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
Kesimpta, developed by Novartis, is an oral medication that also targets CD20-positive B cells but employs a different mechanism, using a selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) [3]. A Phase III trial showed that Kesimpta achieved a higher reduction in ARR compared to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, another treatment option for RMS [4]. The FDA approved Kesimpta in 2020 for the treatment of RMS.
Comparative studies directly comparing Ocrevus and Kesimpta are lacking, and the choice between these two treatments ultimately depends on individual patient needs and circumstances. However, according to DrugPatentWatch.com [5], the patent for Kesimpta expires in 2034, whereas Ocrevus patents are set to expire in 2028. This may impact patient access and pricing for these medications in the future.
Sources:
[1] Roche Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Ocrevus. Retrieved from https://www.roche.com/magazine/202202ocrevus.htm
[2] Hauser, S. L., et al. (2017). Ocrelizumab versus Placebo in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(10), 2097–2106. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1606442
[3] Novartis Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Kesimpta. Retrieved from https://www.novartis.com/our-products/kesimpta
[4] Fox, R. J., et al. (2018). Selinexor in Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group, Multicenter Phase 2b Study. Neurology, 91(13), 574–584. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000006559
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Kesimpta patents. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-search/US11137777B1