The Difference Between Natalizumab and Ofatumumab

Although Natalizumab and Ofatumumab are both drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis, their mechanisms of action and clinical applications are different. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, irreversible disease of the central nervous system that involves inflammation and demyelination For people with MS, there are a number of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) available that range from moderately to highly effective in reducing relapses.

Natalizumab is a recombinant integrin monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity ofVLA4 integrin and prevents activated T lymphocytes from passing through the blood-brain barrier, thereby reducing the inflammatory response of the central nervous system, thereby reducing inflammation and damage. Natalizumab is mainly used to treat relapsing and progressive stages of multiple sclerosis. Natalizumab is usually given as an intravenous injection every 4 weeks.

Ofatumumab is a fully human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody against humanCD20, which achieves therapeutic effects by inducing B cell lysis. The drug is mainly used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. While other currently available monoclonal antibody therapies for RMS are administered via intravenous infusion (eg, alemtuzumab, natalizumab, and ocrelizumab), ofatumumab is administered subcutaneously.

Natalizumab's original patent drug is not marketed in the country and cannot be included in medical insurance. Currently, the generic drug natalizumab on the market overseas may cost more than 8,000 US dollars per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is very expensive. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.