How does ofatumumab treat neuromyelitis optica?

According to a case study published in overseas, ofatumumab treatment can stabilize the disease symptoms of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and there are no treatment-related relapses or adverse events. Ofatumumab may be a safe and effective alternative drug for patients with diseases that are resistant to other currently available immunotherapies, but the specific efficacy is still under clinical research.

Neuromyelitis optica is a rare autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disease that can lead to severe disability and death. Women are most affected, including women of childbearing age, and most patients develop recurrent attacks of optic neuritis. It shares some characteristics with multiple sclerosis. Ofatumumab, marketed as Kesimpta, is a disease-modifying treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD20 docking site on B cells, causing antibody-dependent cytolysis and complement-mediated lysis, destroying B cells. The treatment's safety and effectiveness are currently being tested in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in China in five patients with NMOSD. The trial, which is still recruiting participants, began on June 28, 2022, and is expected to be completed in December 2024.

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.