Ofatumumab (Kesimpta) approved for relapsing MS in England and Wales


19 April 2021

Ofatumumab (Kesimpta) has been approved for use by the NHS for people with active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

NICE has recommended that ofatumumab can be prescribed for people with relapsing remitting MS who are having relapses or have MRI evidence of MS activity.

This is great news! People need access to a range of treatments so that they can work with their consultant to find the one that suits them the best. Ofatumumab offers access to an effective treatment which doesn’t require regular hospital visits.

- David Martin, Chief Executive Officer, MS Trust

I am really pleased with NICE’s decision to recommend ofatumumab and was happy to take part in the appraisal. Ofatumumab has worked well for me so it’s great that it will be added to the treatment options for other people with relapsing remitting MS. The injections are easy to do at home, leaving me free to carry on with my life in between.

- Emma, person with MS

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has also begun their appraisal with a decision expected later this year.

About ofatumumab

Ofatumumab is self-injected under the skin. The first three injections are taken weekly, followed by injections once a month.

In clinical trials for relapsing remitting MS, ofatumumab reduced the risk of relapse by 50-59% compared to Aubagio, reduced disability progression and the number of lesions seen on MRI scans.

Ofatumumab is a monoclonal antibody, a type of drug developed to attack specific targets in the immune system. Ofatumumab binds to a marker (CD20) on the surface of B cells, a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) which is thought to be involved when the immune system attacks the myelin coating of nerves. Targeted B cells are destroyed. Ofatumumab works in similar way to Ocrevus (ocrelizumab).

In clinical trials, the most frequent side effects were injection related reactions. Most of these were mild to moderate, cleared up the same or following day and were associated with the first ofatumumab injection; they were less frequent with subsequent injections. Other side effects that occurred in at least 10% of those taking ofatumumab were head colds, headache, chest infections and urinary tract infections.