Kesimpta®
ofatumumab
Quick Facts
Kesimpta® is a monoclonal antibody and anti-inflammatory disease-modifying therapy that depletes white blood cells called B cells.
Self-injected under the skin
Monthly
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary-progressive MS
Potential Benefit:
Tested against active comparator, Kesimpta showed:
- Reduced relapse by 51%-59%
- Reduced likelihood of disability progression by 34%
- 94%-98% fewer Gd + T1 lesions on MRI
Common Potential Side Effects
Headache and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), including sore throat, runny nose. Injection-related reactions (fever, headache, muscle pain, chills, and fatigue). Local injection site reactions (redness, pain, itching, and swelling).
Prescription Assistance:
For assistance finding additional resources that might help cover the costs of your prescription, contact MSAA.
Hear from the Expert
Erica M. Rivas-Rodriguez, MD
“Trying to figure out and understand what these different medications are going to do, how they’re going to help you, it can be overwhelming.”
DRUGMAKER
Novartis
HOW Kesimpta® WORKS
Kesimpta®, a monoclonal antibody, binds to a protein on the surface of immune cells, white blood cells called B lymphocytes or B cells. This depletes B cells, preventing them from stripping the myelin sheath and causing nerve damage.
FDA-Approved
Kesimpta® was FDA-approved in 2020 to treat relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
Potential Side Effects
Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), including sore throat, runny nose, and headache, as well as headache unrelated to a URTI. Serious but less-common adverse events include infections, hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, and a weakened immune system. A possible serious side effect is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability over a period of weeks or months.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION
Testing completed prior to starting Kesimpta® includes:
- Perform hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening
- Test for quantitative serum immunoglobulins
- Consider: Complete Blood Count with differential, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, T and B cell subset, QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, urinalysis and cultures
Testing completed after starting Kesimpta® includes:
- Complete Blood Count with differential, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, T and B cell subset, immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) every six months, consider urinalysis with culture and sensitivity
Patient advocates talk about
their treatment experience
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Kristie Salerno Kent
“I have had situations where treatments aren’t approved at first. My doctors, nurses, they actually go to bat for me and made it happen.” -
Azure Antoinette
"I will be undergoing my first disease-modifying therapy to help treat multiple sclerosis in my body and while I’m very nervous, I am equally as excited and looking forward to the positive effects of how I will feel physically, and mentally, and emotionally." -
Damian Washington
“Nobody’s going to be looking out for your best interests better than you.” -
Cathy Chester
“I think it’s really important to talk about how to age with this illness.” -
Lauren Hutton-Work
“Just because you have this disease does not mean that your work life should be awkward or uncomfortable.” -
Chernise Joseph
“My first neurologist was a frontline neurologist, he wasn’t an MS specialist.” -
Julian Gamboa
“If you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis remember it’s always okay to get a second opinion.” -
Lauren and Sam Alcorn
“Our future is uncertain and we have to enjoy each other and love each other in the present.” -
Shawn Feliciano
“I want to know what medications might work best for someone who’s Hispanic.” -
Darlene Feigen
“The sooner you get on a therapy the better it is in the long run.” -
Birgit Bauer
“At the end of the appointment you should have an answer to the most important questions.” -
Ellen Tutton
“I looked up all the different disease-modifying therapies and compared them to my lifestyle.” -
Victoria Marie Reese
“I’m trying to show my daughter that taking care of yourself is cool.”
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