Preference of At-Home Ofatumumab Therapy for Relapsing MS Based on Lifestyle

The expansion of self-administered, high-efficacy therapies has added new dimensions to treatment planning for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). As more individuals are diagnosed earlier and remain active in their personal and professional lives for longer, convenience and flexibility have become increasingly important considerations alongside efficacy and safety. At-home administration offers an option that can better align disease-modifying therapy with the day-to-day realities of work, family responsibilities, and frequent travel.

In this episode, Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, the founder and chief executive officer of Joi Life Wellness Group Multiple Sclerosis Center, discusses how at-home administration of ofatumumab (Kesimpta; Novartis) influences patient perceptions and acceptance of therapy. She notes that many patients with relapsing MS, including those 10 years into their disease course, are still working full time and caring for families, and thus often value the ability to self-administer treatment on their own schedule. The option to avoid infusion center visits and to travel with their medication can help reduce logistical barriers to ongoing care.

Williams also addresses common concerns related to injections, particularly needle phobia. She explains that contemporary self-injection regimens differ from older MS injection therapies and emphasizes that, after an initial titration period, ofatumumab is administered relatively infrequently, on a once-monthly schedule. Many patients are already familiar with injectable therapies from other treatment areas, which can help normalize the concept of self-injection. Overall, she describes patient response to at-home, high-efficacy ofatumumab as generally positive, with the combination of convenience, flexibility, and efficacy making this mode of administration appealing for many individuals with relapsing MS.