Myasthenia gravis Ofatumumab

Ofatumumab is a human monoclonal antibody against CD20 that has the advantage of being fully humanized and therefore better tolerated and more effective in hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases and may have stronger cytotoxicity and fewer side effects than rituximab. Each has shown efficacy in randomized trials in multiple sclerosis, but whether they can prove superiority in treating myasthenia gravis is speculative.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a classic autoimmune disease caused by specific autoantibodies at the neuromuscular junction. A broad range of immunotherapies, such as corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and cyclosporine, are effective in controlling myasthenic symptoms. Although effective in most patients with myasthenia gravis, many of these immunosuppressants are associated with long-term side effects that are often intolerable to patients and take several months to become effective. Ofatumumab demonstrated sustained remission in a patient with refractory myasthenia gravis who had previously responded to rituximab but developed an allergic reaction to repeated rituximabinfusions. Given the lack of phase III studies, there are currently insufficient data to recommend these newer drugs for myasthenia gravis.

The original drug of ofatumumab has been launched in China and has also been included in medical insurance. Only patients who meet the indications can be reimbursed. The price is around tens of thousands of yuan, and domestic purchase channels are relatively difficult. The European version of ofatumumab original drug specifications20mg/0.4mL each sold overseas may cost around RMB 16,000 (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). It is expensive and there are currently no generics of ofatumumab. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult a medical consultant.