Ofatumumab licensed for active relapsing remitting MS in UK
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and European Commission (EC) have licenced ofatumumab to treat adults with active relapsing MS.
Ofatumumab is a disease modifying therapy (DMT) which works by targeting a type of immune cell called a B cell.
First self-administered B-cell targeting therapy
It is the first self-administered B-cell targeting therapy to be licensed in the UK.
After initial guidance from a healthcare professional, ofatumumab can be self-injected at home. The licence is based on the results of two Phase III clinical trials, called ASCLEPIOS, which compared ofatumumab to treatment with another existing DMT, teriflunomide (also called Aubagio).
Ofatumumab demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of relapses as compared to teriflunomide.
NHS decision expected later this year
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Medicine Consortium (SMC) are expected to publish a decision on recommending ofatumumab on the NHS in England and Scotland later this year.
Making life easier for people who can't attend appointments
Fredi Cavander-Attwood, our Policy Manager says:
“People with MS often tell us about the convenience of being able to have a DMT at home instead of in hospital. Self injecting ofatumumab could be particularly helpful for people who can't take time out of work to attend appointments."