First 10-minute ocrelizumab injection for MS in UK takes place

A mother from Swansea has made history as the first person in the UK to receive a 10-minute injection designed to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). Emma Cullen, aged 40, previously needed intravenous (IV) infusions twice a year, with each session lasting up to four hours. The treatment, ocrelizumab, is known to reduce relapses and slow down the progression of MS.

This medication has now been approved to be given as an injection under the skin. Swansea Bay University Health Board participated in the clinical trial for this new method and administered the UK’s first injection at Morriston Hospital.

The treatment is aimed at those with active relapsing MS and early primary progressive MS, where symptoms gradually worsen. The hope is that this quicker method will allow more patients to be treated efficiently and enable them to resume their daily activities sooner.