Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025
07:17
A Murine Ommaya Xenograft Model to Study Direct-Targeted Therapy of Leptomeningeal Disease
Published on: January 29, 2021
5.9K
Ofatumumab for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
Alberto Gajofatto1, Riccardo Orlandi2
1Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. alberto.gajofatto@univr.it.
Drugs of Today (Barcelona, Spain : 1998)
|February 2, 2022
Summary
Ofatumumab, a subcutaneous anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, effectively treats relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) by depleting B cells. Clinical trials demonstrate its efficacy in reducing relapses and MRI activity with a favorable safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- B cells are a key therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) like rituximab and ocrelizumab are established MS treatments.
- Ofatumumab represents a second-generation anti-CD20 MAb with distinct binding characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of ofatumumab for multiple sclerosis treatment.
- To highlight ofatumumab's unique mechanism of action and administration route.
- To discuss its clinical trial data and therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Review of Phase II and Phase III clinical trial data for ofatumumab in MS.
- Analysis of ofatumumab's binding epitope, dissociation rate, and B-cell depletion mechanism (complement-dependent cytotoxicity).
- Evaluation of safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity data.
Main Results:
- Ofatumumab demonstrated significant reduction in annualized relapse rate and clinical disability worsening.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activity was effectively suppressed.
- Faster B-cell repletion kinetics compared to other anti-CD20 MAbs were observed.
- Favorable safety profile with good tolerability and low immunogenic risk.
Conclusions:
- Ofatumumab is an effective and safe subcutaneous treatment for relapsing forms of MS.
- Its unique binding and administration offer advantages in MS management.
- Ofatumumab provides a valuable therapeutic option for patients with multiple sclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
249
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab...
249
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.4K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
282
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
282
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
2.1K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
2.1K
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
234
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2...
234
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
282
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
282