Revolutionary 10-Minute MS Injection Set to Slash Hospital Time
Thousands of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients on the NHS are poised to reap huge benefits from a brand-new, super-fast injection that slashes treatment time by over 90%.
About 9,000 MS patients in England currently receive ocrelizumab via lengthy infusions. Thanks to fresh approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), these patients can now opt for a quick 10-minute injection, cutting hours of hospital time down to minutes.
NHS Leads the Way with World-First Injection
The NHS is among the first globally to offer this new subcutaneous jab, which will start rolling out within weeks. Traditionally, ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) is administered as a twice-yearly intravenous infusion lasting up to four hours.
Now, patients can get the drug as a simple ‘under-the-skin’ injection, given twice a year, without the long hospital stay.
Fast, Effective & Game-Changing for MS Patients
- Ocrelizumab is a disease-modifying therapy targeting active relapsing or primary progressive MS.
- Clinical trials found the injection just as effective as IV treatment, with 97% of patients unaffected by relapses or brain lesions over 48 weeks.
- The new jab eases pressure on overwhelmed hospital clinics and helps patients who have tricky veins.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said:
“This new injection will drastically cut treatment times, letting thousands of MS patients spend less time in hospital. It also frees up clinicians to see more patients and eases hospital capacity.”
“Ocrelizumab has already transformed MS care as the first drug to change the disease course. This quick injection is another huge leap forward, improving lives and reducing lengthy hospital visits.”
MS: A Growing National Challenge
Multiple sclerosis affects more than 150,000 people across the UK – over 120,000 in England alone. Women are more commonly affected, and around 135 new diagnoses happen weekly.
The condition damages the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms like vision issues, mobility problems, and balance difficulties – sometimes leading to serious disability.
Nin Sambhi, 39, Staffordshire, diagnosed 2022, said:
“It’s brilliant that the new injection got the green light. Ocrelizumab is working well for me, but the current four-to-five-hour infusions are tough, especially with two young kids and childcare logistics. This quicker jab means less hospital time and more family time.”
MS Society & Experts Back New Injection
Ceri Smith, Head of Policy at MS Society, said:
“We welcome the new licensed injection method for ocrelizumab. With over 150,000 UK MS patients relying on disease-modifying therapies, this gives many an easier, more convenient treatment option.”
Ocrelizumab, made by Roche, was first approved by NICE in 2018 for relapsing MS and expanded to primary progressive MS in 2019.
Oliver Fairweather, UK Lead for MS, Roche Products Limited, added:
“We’re delighted eligible NHS patients in England can now access the licensed subcutaneous ocrelizumab injection. This milestone was achieved with incredible community and clinical support.”
