Dr Patricia Coyle: Ofatumumab Has the Benefit of Being Taken at Home

Ofatumumab was recently approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), making it a direct competitor of ocrelizumab; the biggest difference between the 2 therapies is that ofatumumab can be taken at home, explained Patricia K. Coyle, MD, director of the MS Comprehensive Care Center and professor of neurology at Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute.

Transcript

Ofatumumab was recently approved for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. How does it fit into the treatment landscape for patients with MS?

Ofatumumab is a human anti-CD20. As an MS anti-CD20, it is a high-efficacy monoclonal agent. It will be a direct competitor for ocrelizumab, the humanized anti-CD20. Probably the biggest difference is that ofatumumab is given by a subcutaneous monthly injection every 4 weeks and can be delivered at home. This is after a 20 milligram, 3 times over 2 weeks loading dose, and then it's 20 milligrams [subcutaneously] every 4 weeks. That's in contrast to ocrelizumab, which is given intravenously every 6 months.

So, I think you have now a choice between 2 anti-CD20s that are high-efficacy, relatively safe options. One you come to an infusion center twice a year, the other you inject at home subcutaneously monthly.