New MS drug approved by FDA

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The FDA approved a new multiple sclerosis drug to help suffering patients.

UVA Health is now administrating it and calls this a revolutionary treatment.

“A process that used to take literally hours, three to four hours once every six months,” UVA Neurologist Doctor Robert Shin said. “Now we can administer this medication with a total time of less than 30 minutes.”

Multiple Sclerosis attacks the brain and spinal cord.

Fatigue, blurry vision, and weak limbs are just a few of the symptoms.

Now UVA Health is using a new drug called Ocrevus Zunovo to help people with MS.

“It’s actually related to an existing MS Medicine Ocrevus, which has been out now for a number of years,” Dr. Shin said. “Ocrevus Zunovo differs from Ocrevus in how it’s administered.”

The new drug is combined with other compounds and injected through a tiny needle and a patient’s stomach.

“Our goal in this healthcare team is to try to prevent those relapses,” Dr. Shin said.

Doctor Shin says MS treatment has come a long way in the last 30 years.

“It’s going to be a tremendous benefit in our being able to bring a highly effective MS therapy,” Dr. Shin said.

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