What is KESIMPTA?
Kesimpta is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication is known as a monoclonal antibody, which works by binding to a specific protein on the surface of immune cells, known as B-cells, and eliminates them from circulation.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic medical condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin, a protective covering that surrounds the nerve fibers in the CNS, resulting in inflammation and damage. Symptoms of MS include muscle weakness, trouble with coordination and balance, vision problems, and cognitive impairment.
Kesimpta is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means that it is injected under the skin using a special needle. It is usually given once a month by a healthcare professional or at home by the patient's caregiver following proper instructions.
Clinical studies have shown that Kesimpta can help reduce the relapse rate in patients with relapsing forms of MS. It has also been shown to slow down the progression of the disease, reduce the number of lesions in the CNS, and improve quality of life.
As with any medication, Kesimpta has some potential side effects, including injection site reactions, infections, headache, and reactions to the medication. Patients should discuss any side effects or concerns with their healthcare provider.
In conclusion, Kesimpta is an effective treatment option for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It helps control the disease and improve the quality of life for patients living with MS.
Frequently Asked Questions about kesimpta
Kesimpta® is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a docking site (CD20) on some immune B cells and depletes them. B cells are among immune cells that have been implicated in causing nervous system damage in MS.
Kesimpta basics
Kesimpta comes as a liquid solution that's given as an injection under your skin. You'll inject the drug using single-dose syringes or pens. Kesimpta contains the drug ofatumumab, which is a biologic medication. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms.
Ofatumumab was first approved by the FDA in 2009 for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) as an intravenous infusion with a high dose, administered by a healthcare provider.
Yes, Kesimpta is a type of drug called an immunosuppressant, which is meant to weaken the immune system. It's believed that Kesimpta works by decreasing the activity of your immune system. This helps ease the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Is Kesimpta a chemo drug? Yes. In 2009, Kesimpta was first approved by the FDA as an intravenous injection for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Later, the U.S. FDA also approved Kesimpta subcutaneous injection for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults.
The cost for Kesimpta subcutaneous solution (20 mg/0.4 mL) is around $8,606 for a supply of 0.4 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
Novartis
It is sold by Novartis under license from Genmab. The most common side effects for ofatumumab (Kesimpta) include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, injection-related reactions, and local injection site reactions.
The cost for Kesimpta subcutaneous solution (20 mg/0.4 mL) is around $8,606 for a supply of 0.4 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
In 2 studies vs AUBAGIO® (teriflunomide), KESIMPTA® was proven superior at reducing the rate of relapses and active lesions, and slowing disability progression.† What is KESIMPTA?
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a disease modifying drug (DMD) for relapsing remitting MS. You take Kesimpta as an injection under the skin once a month. It reduces the number of relapses by about two thirds (70%).
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a disease modifying drug (DMD) for relapsing remitting MS. You take Kesimpta as an injection under the skin once a month. It reduces the number of relapses by about two thirds (70%).
Kesimpta has been approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Albania, and India.
Patient demand, research and development costs, and competition all affect the pricing of these life-altering medications. MS is a chronic, progressive, and often debilitating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
You'll give yourself 1 dose per week for the first 3 weeks, and then you'll skip a week. After that, you can move on to 1 dose per month.
Currently, there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, in the past 20 years, significant advancements have been made in MS research, resulting in over a dozen licensed treatments, particularly for those with relapsing MS or early active progressive MS.
Ofatumumab (Kesimpta) destroys B cells so that there are fewer left to damage the myelin covering around your nerves. The drug reduces how much inflammation is seen on your MRI scans. Doctors can see this inflammation as lesions, areas of damage to nerves.
