Kesimpta: A Game-Changer in Relapsing MS Treatment
If you or a loved one are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), you’re likely familiar with the constant search for effective, manageable treatments. The landscape of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is always evolving, and one of the newer options generating significant discussion is Kesimpta (ofatumumab).
Approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS)—including clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting disease (RRMS), and active secondary progressive disease (SPMS)—Kesimpta offers a high-efficacy, self-administered treatment option that is transforming the lives of many patients.
What is Kesimpta and How Does it Work?
Kesimpta is a monoclonal antibody that works as a targeted B-cell therapy. The prevailing theory in MS is that certain immune cells, particularly B cells, mistakenly attack the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation and damage.
Kesimpta works by selectively binding to the CD20 protein found on the surface of B cells. This binding essentially tags the B cells for destruction, leading to their rapid and sustained depletion. By reducing the number of these problematic B cells, Kesimpta aims to dampen the autoimmune response, thereby:
- Reducing the frequency of relapses
- Slowing the progression of disability
- Minimizing new inflammatory lesions visible on MRI scans
In clinical trials, Kesimpta demonstrated a significant reduction in the annualized relapse rate compared to other common oral DMTs, establishing it as a highly effective option.
The Power of Convenience: Self-Administered at Home
One of Kesimpta’s most notable advantages is its route of administration: a once-monthly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection that can be easily self-administered at home using a pre-filled pen called the Sensoready Pen.
Unlike some other high-efficacy B-cell therapies that require lengthy, scheduled intravenous (IV) infusions at an infusion center or clinic, Kesimpta offers a level of convenience and flexibility that is a true game-changer for many patients. This at-home dosing can mean less time away from work, family, or other commitments, offering a significant boost to a patient's quality of life.
The dosing schedule typically begins with an initial "loading" phase of injections, followed by the regular once-monthly injection starting at Week 4.
What to Know About Side Effects
As with any powerful DMT, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. The most common side effects reported with Kesimpta include:
- Injection-related reactions: These are most common with the first injection and can include localized reactions (redness, pain, itching) or systemic reactions (fever, chills, headache, muscle pain) that usually occur within 24 hours. Pre-treating with an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen is often recommended for the initial doses.
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Headache
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Back pain
Because Kesimpta works by suppressing part of the immune system, there is an increased risk of infection, including serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely and should screen for conditions like Hepatitis B (HBV) before starting treatment. It is vital to report any signs of infection to your doctor immediately.
Is Kesimpta Right for You?
Kesimpta is a powerful tool in the fight against relapsing MS, offering a combination of high efficacy and simplified, at-home dosing.
If you are currently managing RMS and are looking for a highly effective treatment that fits better into your daily life than an IV infusion, or if your current medication isn't adequately controlling your disease activity, Kesimpta may be an excellent option to discuss with your neurologist.
The decision to start any DMT is a serious one that should be made in close consultation with your MS specialist. They can review your complete medical history, assess your specific disease activity, and help you weigh the benefits and risks of Kesimpta against other available options.