Genentech’s Fenebrutinib Maintains Near-Complete Suppression of Disease Activity and Disability Progression for up to Two Years in People With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
- Patients on fenebrutinib had low relapse rates with data showing no active brain lesions or disability progression after nearly two years of treatment -
- Phase III studies for fenebrutinib in relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis are expected to start reading out at year end -
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today new, 96-week data for fenebrutinib demonstrating that patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) maintained no disability progression and low levels of disease activity for up to two years. The latest results for this investigational Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor from the Phase II FENopta open-label extension (OLE) study were presented at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.
"These data show that patients treated with fenebrutinib experienced an annualized relapse rate equal to one relapse every 17 years and no observed disability progression up to two years,’’ said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Genentech’s chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. "Fenebrutinib is potent, highly selective and the only reversible BTK inhibitor currently in Phase III trials for multiple sclerosis, and we look forward to seeing the first of those results later this year."
Ninety-nine patients entered the OLE and 93 remained in the OLE after 96 weeks. During the OLE period, patients treated with fenebrutinib for up to 96 weeks had a low annualized relapse rate (ARR) of 0.06, and during this time there was no disability progression, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
MRI scans showed that fenebrutinib treatment suppressed disease activity in the brain. At 96 weeks zero new T1 gadolinium-enhancing (T1-Gd+) lesions, which are markers of active inflammation, were detected. In the treatment group that switched from placebo to fenebrutinib in the OLE, the annualized rate of new or enlarging T2 lesions, which represent chronic disease burden, decreased from 6.72 at the end of the 12 week double-blind period to 0.34 by 96 weeks.
The safety profile of fenebrutinib in the OLE was consistent with previously reported data, with no new safety concerns identified at 96 weeks. The most common adverse events (AEs) in ≥5% of patients were COVID-19 (10%), urinary tract infection (10%), pharyngitis (6%) and respiratory tract infection (5%). Serious AEs occurred in two patients (2%). During the OLE, one patient experienced asymptomatic alanine aminotransferase elevation at OLE week 4, after 16 weeks on treatment, which resolved with treatment discontinuation.
Three Phase III clinical trials are ongoing, including the FENhance 1 and 2 trials in RMS and the FENtrepid trial in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). The first data from these studies, which will characterize the effects of fenebrutinib on disease progression across the multiple sclerosis spectrum, are expected at the end of 2025.
About fenebrutinib
Fenebrutinib is an investigational oral, reversible and non-covalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that blocks the function of BTK. BTK, also known as tyrosine-protein kinase BTK, is an enzyme that regulates B-cell development and activation and is also involved in the activation of innate immune system myeloid lineage cells, such as macrophages and microglia. Preclinical data have shown fenebrutinib to be potent and highly selective, and it is the only reversible BTK inhibitor currently in Phase III trials for multiple sclerosis. Fenebrutinib has been shown to be 130 times more selective for BTK vs. other kinases.
Fenebrutinib is a dual inhibitor of both B-cell and microglia activation. This dual inhibition may be able to reduce both multiple sclerosis disease activity and disability progression, thereby potentially addressing the key unmet medical need of disability progression in people living with multiple sclerosis. The fenebrutinib Phase III program includes two identical trials in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) (FENhance 1 & 2) with active comparator teriflunomide and the only trial in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) (FENtrepid) in which a BTK inhibitor is being evaluated against Ocrevus. To date, more than 2,700 patients and healthy volunteers have been treated with fenebrutinib in Phase I, II and III clinical programs across multiple diseases, including multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders.
About the FENopta study
The FENopta study was a global Phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week study to investigate the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of fenebrutinib in 109 adults aged 18-55 years with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The primary endpoint was the total number of new T1 gadolinium-enhancing (T1-Gd+) lesions as measured by MRI scans of the brain at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included the number of new or enlarging T2-weighted lesions as measured by MRI scans of the brain at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and the proportion of patients free from any new T1-Gd+ lesions and new or enlarging T2-weighted lesions as measured by MRI scans of the brain at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The goal of the FENopta study was to characterize the effect of fenebrutinib on MRI and soluble biomarkers of disease activity and progression, and it included an optional substudy to measure cerebrospinal fluid fenebrutinib levels and biomarkers of neuronal injury.
Data from the 12-week study showed that fenebrutinib is central nervous system (CNS) penetrant (crosses the blood-brain barrier) and has the potential to impact mechanisms underlying chronic progressive disease biology in multiple sclerosis patients. Fenebrutinib significantly reduced new T1-Gd+ lesions and new/enlarging T2 lesions compared to placebo. The safety profile of fenebrutinib was consistent with previous and ongoing fenebrutinib clinical trials and there were no new safety concerns identified.
Patients who completed the FENopta study were given the option to take part in an open-label extension (OLE) study, in which all patients receive fenebrutinib up to 192 weeks.
About multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects more than 2.9 million people worldwide. MS occurs when the immune system abnormally attacks the insulation and support around nerve cells (myelin sheath) in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerves), causing inflammation and consequent damage. This damage can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue and difficulty seeing, and may eventually lead to disability. Most people with MS experience their first symptom between 20 and 40 years of age, making the disease the leading cause of acquired non-traumatic disability in younger adults.
People with all forms of MS experience disease progression – permanent loss of nerve cells in the central nervous system – from the beginning of their disease even if their symptoms aren’t apparent or don’t appear to be getting worse. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can negatively impact people with MS, in terms of their physical and mental health, and contribute to the negative financial impact on the individual and society. An important goal of treating MS is to slow, stop and ideally prevent progression as early as possible.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form of the disease and is characterized by episodes of new or worsening signs or symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recovery. Approximately 85% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS. The majority of people who are diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to secondary progressive MS (SPMS), in which they experience steadily worsening disability over time. Relapsing forms of MS (RMS) include people with RRMS and people with SPMS who continue to experience relapses. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) is a debilitating form of the disease marked by steadily worsening symptoms but typically without distinct relapses or periods of remission. Approximately 15% of people with MS are diagnosed with the primary progressive form of the disease. Until the FDA approval of Ocrevus intravenous (IV) infusion, there had been no FDA-approved treatments for PPMS and Ocrevus IV and Ocrevus Zunovo are the only approved treatments for PPMS.
About Genentech in neuroscience
Neuroscience is a major focus of research and development at Genentech and Roche. Our goal is to pursue groundbreaking science to develop new treatments that help improve the lives of people with chronic and potentially devastating diseases.
Genentech and Roche are investigating more than a dozen medicines for neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and autism spectrum disorder. Together with our partners, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding to solve some of the most difficult challenges in neuroscience today.
About Genentech Access Solutions
Access Solutions is part of Genentech’s commitment to helping people access the Genentech medicines they are prescribed, regardless of their ability to pay. The team of in-house specialists at Access Solutions is dedicated to helping people navigate the access and reimbursement process and to providing assistance to eligible patients in the United States who are uninsured or cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for their medicine. To date, the team has helped more than 2 million patients access the medicines they need. Please contact Access Solutions (866) 4ACCESS/(866) 422-2377 or visit http://www.Genentech-Access.com for more information.
About Genentech
Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.
Indications and Important Safety Information
What are Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo?
Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo are prescription medicines used to treat:
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults
Primary progressive MS, in adults
It is not known if Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo are safe and effective in children.
Who should not receive Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo?
Do not receive Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo if you:
have an active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
have had a life-threatening administration reaction to ocrelizumab.
have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to ocrelizumab, hyaluronidase, or any of the ingredients of Ocrevus Zunovo. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo or any of their ingredients in the past.
What is the most important information I should know about Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo?
Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo can cause serious side effects, including:
Infusion reactions (Ocrevus): Infusion reactions are a common side effect of Ocrevus, which can be serious and may require you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored during your infusion and for at least 1 hour after each infusion of Ocrevus for signs and symptoms of an infusion reaction.
Injection reactions (Ocrevus Zunovo): Injection reactions are a common side effect of Ocrevus Zunovo, which can be serious and may require you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored for signs and symptoms of an injection reaction when you receive Ocrevus Zunovo. This will happen during all injections for at least 1 hour after your first injection, and for at least 15 minutes after all injections following the first injection.
Tell your healthcare provider or nurse if you get any of these symptoms:
itchy skin
trouble breathing
nausea
shortness of breath
rash
throat irritation or pain
headache
fatigue
hives
feeling faint
swelling of the throat
fast heartbeat
tiredness
fever
dizziness
coughing or wheezing
redness on your face (flushing)
Additionally, for Ocrevus Zunovo:
injection site pain
swelling
redness
These infusion and injection reactions can happen during or up to 24 hours after administration. It is important that you call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above after each infusion or injection.
Infection:
Infections are a common side effect. Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo increase your risk of getting upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and herpes infections. Serious infections can happen with Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo, which can be life-threatening or cause death. Tell your healthcare provider if you have an infection or have any of the following signs of infection including fever, chills, or a cough that does not go away, or painful urination. Signs of herpes infection include: cold sores, shingles, genital sores, skin rash, pain, and itching. Signs of more serious herpes infection include: changes in vision, eye redness or eye pain, severe or persistent headache, stiff neck, and confusion. Signs of infection can happen during treatment or after you have received your last dose of Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection. Your healthcare provider should delay your treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo until your infection is gone.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation: Before starting treatment with ocrelizumab, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B viral infection. If you have ever had hepatitis B virus infection, the hepatitis B virus may become active again during or after treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. Hepatitis B virus becoming active again (called reactivation) may cause serious liver problems including liver failure or death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you if you are at risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation during treatment and after you stop receiving Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo.
Weakened immune system: Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo taken before or after other medicines that weaken the immune system could increase your risk of getting infections.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability and has been reported with ocrelizumab. Symptoms of PML get worse over days to weeks. It is important that you call your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening neurologic signs or symptoms that have lasted several days, including problems with:
thinking
eyesight
strength
balance
weakness on 1 side of your body
using your arms or legs
Decreased immunoglobulins: Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo may cause a decrease in some types of immunoglobulins. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood immunoglobulin levels.
Before receiving Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
have or think you have an infection. See "What is the most important information I should know about Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo?"
have ever taken, take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system, or other treatments for MS. These medicines could increase your risk of getting an infection.
have ever had hepatitis B or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus.
have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colitis.
have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations.
You should receive any required ‘live’ or ‘live-attenuated’ vaccines at least 4 weeks before you start treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. You should not receive ‘live’ or ‘live-attenuated’ vaccines while you are being treated with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo and until your healthcare provider tells you that your immune system is no longer weakened.
When possible, you should receive any ‘non-live’ vaccines at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. If you would like to receive any non-live (inactivated) vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine, while you are being treated with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo, talk to your healthcare provider.
If you have a baby and you received Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo during your pregnancy, it is important to tell your baby’s healthcare provider about receiving Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo so they can decide when your baby should be vaccinated.
are pregnant, think that you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo will harm your unborn baby. You should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo and for 6 months after your last dose of Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo. Talk with your healthcare provider about what birth control method is right for you during this time. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while receiving Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are the possible side effects of Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo?
Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo may cause serious side effects, including:
Risk of cancers (malignancies) including breast cancer: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about standard screening guidelines for breast cancer.
Inflammation of the colon, or colitis: Tell your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of colitis, such as:
Diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual
Stools that are black, tarry, sticky or have blood or mucus
Severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness
The most common side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo include:
Injection reactions
Respiratory tract infections
Skin infections
These are not all the possible side effects of Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
