Multiple sclerosis patients initiating ofatumumab in the real-world: 6 months data

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Ofatumumab is a self-administered subcutaneous CD20 monoclonal antibody approved in the United States (US) in August 2020 (in the pandemic era) for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. Since US approval, there is a lack of information available on the real-world utilisation of ofatumumab. Objectives: To understand the overall profile of MS patients initiating ofatumumab in the real-world clinical practice using data from a nationally representative claims database in the first 6 months post-approval. Aims: To evaluate patient demographics, treatment status, geographical distribution, premedication use, claims-based disability levels, disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use in the year prior, and corresponding median time to transition (treatment gap) for patients initiating ofatumumab. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used IQVIA opensource claims data. Adults with a diagnosis of MS who initiated ofatumumab from August 2020-February 2020 were included. The index date was defined based on the first prescription fill for ofatumumab, and the baseline period was 1-year prior to the index date. Results: Overall, 1015 patients initiating ofatumumab were included in the study. Mean (± standard deviation [range]) age was 48.2±12.3 (18-85) years, and 72.5% were females. Approximately, 33% of patients were ≥55 years of age. Most patients were from the Southern and Western regions of the US. Ofatumumab was mostly prescribed by neurologists (86.8%) vs PCP/NP/PAs. The proportion of patients with moderate to severe MS disability was 38.2%. Common comorbidities among patients were osteoarthritis (31.3%), hypertension (16.7%), and depression (12.2%). Overall, 54.8% were not on any DMT in the year prior to initiating ofatumumab. Patients commonly switched from ocrelizumab (24.2%), dimethyl fumarate (23.3%), platform injectables (19.3%) and teriflunomide (14.8%). The median transition period for dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, and ocrelizumab was 62, 51, and 174 days, respectively. Patients received ofatumumab pre-and post-COVID and influenza vaccine. Steroid and antihistamine use as premedication was minimal (≤2.5% of patients). Conclusions: In the real-world pandemic environment, ofatumumab was prescribed, also beyond the trial population. Most patients newly initiated ofatumumab had no treatment in the prior year. Understanding patient profile, prior DMT use in the realworld may help stakeholders guide treatment decisions.