UVA Health introduces new multiple sclerosis treatment option for Virginians

ALBEMEARLE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) – The University of Virginia’s (UVA) health system has become one of the first in the country to administer a groundbreaking FDA-approved drug, Ocrevus Zunovo, to patients with progressive types of multiple sclerosis (M.S.).

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing a number of issues like numbness and imbalance. On the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 11, a patient received UVA health’s first dose of the new treatment.

Ocrevus Zunuvo, developed by the company Genentech, is a subcutaneous injection administered under the skin, typically the stomach. This new method offers a more convenient and efficient alternative to the traditional vein infusion of Ocrevus, reducing treatment time.

“A process that used to take literally hours, three to hour hours once every six months. Now we can administer this medication with a total time of less than 30 minutes,” said UVA Health Neurologist Dr. Robert Shin. “Our goal is to prevent relapses, prevent any increase in disability, and avoid the need for assistive devices.”

While Ocrevus has been a highly effective treatment for M.S. patients, many have had trouble getting access. Dr. Shin said Genentech’s rollout of Ocrevus Zunuvo offers greater accessibility to this vital therapy.

“What they’ve (Genentech) done is they’ve expanded access and expanded opportunities for individuals to get this highly effective M.S therapy, who might not have had access to an infusion center in the past or may not have had sort of the luxury of spending hours visiting an infusion center,” said Dr. Shin.

As the availability of Ocrevus Zunuvo continues to expand across the country, Josh Weber, UVA Health’s director of specialty and home pharmacy services, said the rollout could take up to three months.

“By streamlining some of the logistics and leveraging our clinical expertise, we really try to make innovative therapies accessible to a broader range of patients, including those who may have faced barriers to traditional infusion therapies,” said Weber.

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