Recent oral options for MS include Ponvory (ponesimod) and Bafiertam (monomethyl fumarate), alongside newer forms of existing treatments like Ocrevus ZunovO (ocrelizumab) (a faster injection) and Briumvi (ublituximab) (twice-yearly infusions), offering broader choices beyond traditional pills, targeting immune cells to reduce relapses and disability progression, but all come with important safety considerations and are used based on MS type and patient needs.
New therapies are emerging
Ublituximab-xiiy (Briumvi) was approved by the FDA in 2022. It is used to treat relapsing-remitting and active secondary-progressive forms of MS. Ublituximab-xiiy is given in a vein and stops certain immune system cells from making antibodies that may damage the brain and spinal cord in MS.
Australians living with multiple sclerosis and rare cancers will now have access to life-changing medicines thanks to new listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). A new form of Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®) will be listed to treat adult patients with relapsing remitting‑ multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Australians living with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) now have access to a new PBS-subsidised treatment option with the listing of Neuraxpharm's BRIUMVI (ublituximab). The therapy is a monoclonal antibody that offers the convenience of twice-yearly intravenous infusions after an initial loading dose.
Siponimod (Mayzent). This once-daily oral medicine can reduce relapse rates and help slow progression of MS. It's also approved for secondary-progressive MS. Possible side effects include viral infections, liver damage and low white blood cell count.
As well as disability benefits, there's other financial help out there that might make living with MS easier. Find out more about free public transport, disabled facilities grants, help with keeping warm in winter, prescription charges and dealing with debt.
Briumvi and Ocrevus are both effective B-cell therapies for MS, with similar efficacy and side effects. Briumvi offers shorter infusion times, while Ocrevus has a broader approval for primary progressive MS. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your condition.
Fenebrutinib is currently being investigated in two phase 3 trials, with results due in 2025 and 2028. If the results are positive, fenebrutinib will be submitted for regulatory approval.
What you pay for tocilizumab 200 mg/10 mL injection, 10 mL vial is determined by your entitlement. The Medicare Card price is $31.6, the Private price is $217.62, the Entitlement Card price is $7.7 and the Safety Net price is $0.
The medication, Rybrevant (amivantamab), is now available through the PBS for Australians with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) caused by changes (Exon-20 insertion alterations) in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene.
Lifestyle Changes That May Help Slow MS Progression
What Is Darzalex? Darzalex® (daratumumab) is a laboratory-made monoclonal antibody designed to function like a naturally occurring antibody. It targets a specific single protein on the surface of myeloma cells.
For many, fatigue is considered to be the single most debilitating symptom, surpassing pain and even physical disability. Fatigue also imposes significant socioeconomic consequences, including loss of work hours and in some instances, loss of employment.
Tecfidera, the newest pill treatment to enter the market, is also priced in the range of $62,000 per year. “MS DMDs are too expensive,” said Daniel Kantor, M.D., president of the Florida Society of Neurology, founder of the Southern MS Consortium. “This is almost universally recognized.
A groundbreaking 2025 study in Nature Scientific Reports has unveiled a new compound—K102, a selective estrogen-receptor β (ERβ) ligand—that not only reduces inflammation but actively repairs damaged myelin and restores visual and motor function in experimental models of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is unknown, but it's triggered by a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental factors (like low Vitamin D, infections, smoking, and stress), and immune system dysfunction that leads the body to attack its own nervous system. Triggers that can worsen existing MS include heat, infections, stress, lack of sleep, and childbirth, while factors like smoking, obesity, and low sun exposure increase risk or severity.
If you have relapsing-remitting MS, you can take steps to manage your condition.
How long you can take Ocrevus will also depend on any side effects you experience. Ocrevus can cause mild and serious side effects. The 10-year safety profile for Ocrevus is similar to the profile from its initial studies. In other words, long-term Ocrevus use does not further increase the risk of serious side effects.
Briumvi has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 15 ratings on Drugs.com. 73% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 7% reported a negative effect. Kesimpta has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 85 ratings on Drugs.com.
Administration: Briumvi infusionis administered through an intravenous infusion every six months, requiring about one hour for each infusion session. Cost: The annual cost for Briumvi treatment stands at $59,000, making it a more affordable option compared to Ocrevus2.
Your bill can be reduced to the next lowest Council Tax band. The property must be the main home of at least one disabled person, an adult or a child. It doesn't have to be the person who pays the Council Tax. With many councils you can apply through their website.
Focus on Home Comfort
MS Diagnosis Often Leads to Permanent Disability
The damage done to the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, affects every person differently.