What's all the buzz about Kesimpta® - the newest FDA approved Drug for Relapsing forms of MS?

OK guys, KUDOS to all those doing incredible research and clinical trials for us living with MS!

Especially during this time of Covid-19, it's nice to hear of the continuous progress being made.  As someone living with MS for twenty years now, I am always interested in learning about new therapies and how research and approaches have changed over the years.   

Today we have ofatumumab, brand name Kesimpta®, the newest disease modifying therapy approved by the FDA for relapsing forms of MS. Kesimpta® is produced by Novartis.  When I heard this, I wanted to learn more!

I’ve been compensated by Novartis in the past but the opinions expressed here are my own

(These thoughts are my own - I am not being compensated for this post.)

Kesimpta® is a disease modifying therapy that targets B-cells in the body to help the immune system manage itself better and help with inflammation.  In doing so the rate of relapses and disease progression can be reduced helping people with MS live a fuller life.  Or at least this is what the research is showing.  I recently wrote about Kesimpta® for Healthline.com and contains a lot more information.   

Just released, Kesimpta® is already being prescribed and used. This Girl with MS is darn excited to hear how folks are liking it!  You can check out their information and patient support at kesimpta.com.  

I sat down the other day and got to interview two interesting folks. One a doctor and one living with MS.  


Kerry, 38: Kerry was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2012 after experiencing a loss of sensation in half of her face for nearly two weeks. Today, she leads a busy life day-to-day as an advertising executive and mother of two young boys. Kerry’s husband is a key point of support at home when MS symptoms may tire her out. Kerry has never taken and is not currently taking Kesimpta. Of note, Kerry currently works for an advertising agency that services Novartis, but is not being paid for this opportunity.

 

Dr. Robert Shin, Neurologist: Dr. Shin is a Professor of Neurology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and the Director of the Georgetown Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center. Dr. Shin specializes in multiple sclerosis and neuro-ophthalmology. Dr. Shin is a paid spokesperson for Novartis.


I recently wrote about Kesimpta® for Healthline.com.  Click here for full article. Some excerpts below: 

“This data is very promising and very positive,” Bruce Bebo, PhD, the executive vice president of research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, told Healthline last week. “We are excited about this option.”

More than 900 people received ofatumumab in the multi-center clinical trial this summer.

In study results published earlier this month, the immune-modulating drug was shown to quiet inflammatory disease activity. 

Researchers said a subcutaneous injection of ofatumumab produced a significant reduction in new inflammation as well as fewer clinical relapses and progression events. 

In the second year of treatment, nearly 9 out of 10 study participants on ofatumumab showed no sign of disease activity.

The study covered two double-blind, double-dummy phase 3 trials, ASCLEPIOS I and ASCLEPIOS II. Both were funded by Novartis.

The trials were conducted at 385 sites in 37 countries, comparing ofatumumab with teriflunomide, currently marketed in the United States as Aubagio, by Sanofi Genzyme.

Ofatumumab is similar in action to ocrelizumab, marketed in the United States as Ocrevus by Genentech.

These two drugs were not compared against each other, but the mechanics are the same as they target B cells in an effort to manage the immune system. 

“The clinical data is similar between the two, but the route of administration is different,” said Bebo.

  I recently wrote about Kesimpta® for Healthline.com. Click here for full article.

You can check out their information and patient support at kesimpta.com.  

(These thoughts are my own - I am not being compensated for this post.)


Just earlier this year we had the FDA approval of Zeposia® (ozanimod), produced by Bristol Myers Squibb.  Click to read my post about it.