Roche’s Multiple Sclerosis Drug Reduced Relapses in Two Trials

Roche Holding AG said a multiple sclerosis drug showed it could work for most forms of the disease in two late-stage trials, cutting the number of relapses compared to another treatment over nearly two years.

Fenebrutinib, known as a BTK inhibitor, sharply cut recurrence rates in patients with relapsing MS and slowed a worsening of disability in those with the progressive form of the disease. The data suggest it could become the first oral medicine to effectively treat both major types of MS, an area where treatment options remain limited, according to the Swiss drugmaker.