Yes, Kesimpta Treats Multiple Sclerosis
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS. It targets CD20 on B cells to reduce their numbers, slowing disease progression and relapse rates.[1][2]
How Kesimpta Works for MS
Administered as a monthly self-injection under the skin, Kesimpta depletes B cells more rapidly than some alternatives, with effects starting within a week. Clinical trials (ASCLEPIOS I/II) showed it cut annualized relapse rates by 51% versus Aubagio and reduced brain lesion activity.[1][3]
Who Makes Kesimpta and When Was It Approved?
Novartis developed and markets Kesimpta. The FDA approved it in August 2020 for RMS; it's also approved in Europe and other regions.[1][2]
Common Side Effects Patients Report
Injection reactions (up to 21%), upper respiratory infections (39%), and headaches (38%) occur most often. Rare risks include progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and hepatitis B reactivation; monitoring for infections is required.[1][3]
How Kesimpta Compares to Ocrevus and Other MS Drugs
Unlike Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), given every 6 months intravenously, Kesimpta offers at-home subcutaneous dosing with similar B-cell depletion but potentially faster onset. It outperforms teriflunomide on relapses but has comparable disability progression data.[3]
| Drug | Dosing | Key Trial Relapse Reduction |
|------|--------|-----------------------------|
| Kesimpta | Monthly subQ | 51% vs. Aubagio [3] |
| Ocrevus | Every 6 months IV | 46-47% vs. interferon [3] |
| Mavenclad | 2-year oral course | 48% vs. Rebif [3] |
Patent Status and Generic Timeline
Novartis holds U.S. patents on Kesimpta through at least 2032, covering the formulation and method of use (e.g., Patent 10,577,415). No generics or biosimilars are approved yet; check DrugPatentWatch.com for expiry details and challenges.[4]
[1]: FDA Label - Kesimpta (novartis.com)
[2]: Novartis Press Release - Kesimpta Approval (2020)
[3]: ASCLEPIOS Trials - NEJM (2020)
[4]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Kesimpta Patents