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Multiple Sclerosis — Disease-Modifying Therapy

Ofatumumab

Brand names: Kesimpta

Ofatumumab is a fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody given by subcutaneous injection for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds a distinct epitope of CD20 on B cells, causing complement- and cell-mediated B-cell depletion; the subcutaneous route allows patient self-administration.

Prescribing in practice

  • Screen for hepatitis B before initiation because of the risk of viral reactivation during B-cell depletion.
  • Injection-related and systemic reactions can occur, particularly with the first injections, and live vaccines should be avoided during treatment.
  • Sustained B-cell depletion raises infection risk and low immunoglobulin levels may develop with prolonged use.

Monitoring

Monitor for injection reactions, signs of infection, immunoglobulin levels and hepatitis B status during therapy.

Counselling the patient

  • After training the medicine can be self-injected at home using the prefilled device.
  • Complete vaccinations before starting and avoid live vaccines while on treatment.
  • Report fever, persistent or recurrent infections promptly.

Evidence & guidelines

The ASCLEPIOS trials demonstrated that ofatumumab reduced relapse rates compared with teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Reference: ASCLEPIOS I/II NEJM 2020; 383(6):546-557; NICE TA699; MHRA 2021; ESC MS Treatment Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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