Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) is a disease-modifying therapy used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Like Ocrevus® and Briumvi®, it is an anti-CD20 therapy that targets certain B cells involved in the abnormal immune activity that occurs with RMMS
Kesimpta® is a fully human monoclonal antibody. This means it is a lab-made antibody designed to closely match antibodies found in the human body. “Fully human” describes the medication’s structure and does not mean it is safer or more effective than other anti-CD20 therapies.⁴
Your healthcare team will consider the type and stage of MS, previous treatment, infection risk, antibody levels, liver function, vaccination history, other health conditions, current medications, and pregnancy plans before deciding whether Kesimpta is an appropriate treatment for you.¹
Kesimpta® may be prescribed for adults with relapsing forms of MS, including:
Kesimpta® is used for long-term control of relapsing MS. It can help reduce future relapses and new MS activity, but it does not stop a relapse that has already started or directly relieve current symptoms.¹
Kesimpta® targets certain B cells, which are part of the immune system. B cells normally help the body fight infections and build protection after vaccination. In MS, some B cells also take part in the immune attack that causes inflammation and damage in the brain and spinal cord.1,2,3
Many of the B cells involved in this attack carry a protein called CD20. Anti-CD20 therapies attach to this protein and help the immune system remove these B cells. Decreasing the number of these cells reduces immune activity that can cause new RRMS damage.1,2,3
Kesimpta® is given as an injection under the skin.
Treatment begins with three weekly injections:
The first injection should be given under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional. After proper training, the patient or a caregiver can give Kesimpta® at home.¹
Two large clinical trials compared Kesimpta® with teriflunomide, another disease-modifying therapy used for relapsing MS.
People taking Kesimpta had about 50% to 60% fewer relapses than people taking teriflunomide. Kesimpta also reduced new or enlarging areas of MS activity seen on MRI.⁴
When results from both studies were combined, people taking Kesimpta were also less likely to have worsening disability that continued for at least three or six months.⁴
Possible side effects with Anti CD-20 Therapy:
Injection-related reactions may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, low energy, rash, or nausea. Injection-site reactions may cause redness or discoloration, swelling, itching, or pain where the medication was injected.¹
Seek immediate medical treatment for:
Serious risks associated with anti-CD20 therapy may include serious infections, severe injection reactions, low antibody levels, liver injury, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but serious brain infection.¹
Patients should contact their healthcare team about new or worsening symptoms, signs of infection, or reactions that are severe or do not improve.
During treatment, the healthcare team continues to monitor for infections, changes in antibody levels, liver problems, and reactions related to an injection or infusion. Treatment may be delayed when an active infection is present.1,2,3
Patients
Learn more about savings and support for KESIMPTA®.
Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis can find access to Kesimpta® through several program options. Some of those programs may lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients with private insurance, provide Kesimpta temporarily while an eligible patient waits for an insurance coverage decision, or provide medication at no cost to eligible patients who are uninsured or have limited coverage. Learn more about savings and support for KESIMPTA®.
Eligibility requirements, financial limits, and program benefits can change. Visit the official website Novartis Patient Support™ | KESIMPTA® (ofatumumab) or call 1-855-KESIMPTA (1-855-537-4678) for current information.
Patients with advanced prostate cancer can find access to Nubeqa® through several ways, including commercial insurance, Medicare Part D and other financial-support options. Eligible commercially-insured patients, patients on Medicare and Medicaid, and those without insurance, may qualify for special programs or can receive information about government programs and independent charitable foundations. Learn more about savings and support for Nubeqa®.