Ublituximab at a glance
Medicine class
Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and selective immunosuppressant
Licensed use
Active relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults
How it is given
Intravenous infusion in a specialist clinical setting
Key practical issue
Infusion reactions and infections require particular attention
What is Ublituximab used for?
Ublituximab is licensed for:
Treating adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis where disease is active based on relapses or imaging findings.
How does Ublituximab work?
Ublituximab binds to CD20 on certain B lymphocytes. This depletes B cells involved in the immune inflammation that damages myelin and nerves, reducing new inflammatory disease activity.
Ublituximab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 150 mg
How to take Ublituximab
Ublituximab is not taken by mouth. A healthcare professional dilutes the concentrate and gives it through a vein in a setting equipped to manage serious infusion reactions.
A corticosteroid and antihistamine are given beforehand to reduce infusion reactions; an antipyretic may also be considered.
Patients are observed during administration.
Report fever, infection symptoms or a recent vaccination before attending.
Ublituximab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Infusion-related symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, nausea, throat irritation, rash or a faster heartbeat
- Upper respiratory or other respiratory tract infections
- Herpes-virus infections, including shingles
- Reduced neutrophil count
- Pain in an arm or leg
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe infusion or allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, marked swelling or collapse
- Serious infection, including pneumonia, meningitis or encephalitis
- New or worsening neurological symptoms that could indicate progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
- Hepatitis B reactivation
Ublituximab in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited. Ublituximab should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless the expected maternal benefit outweighs the potential fetal risk. Effective contraception is advised during treatment and for at least four months after the last infusion. Exposure during pregnancy may affect an infant's B cells and the timing of live vaccines, so inform the maternity, neurology and infant-care teams.
Ublituximab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether ublituximab enters human milk. A risk cannot be excluded during the first few days after birth, when transfer of maternal IgG into milk is greater. Afterwards, use while breastfeeding may be considered if clinically needed following specialist discussion.
Ublituximab interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. The main concerns are additive immune suppression and vaccination.
Live or live-attenuated vaccines
Avoid during treatment and until B-cell recovery because safety is uncertain and infection risk may be increased.
Inactivated vaccines
They may be given when appropriate, but the immune response may be reduced; vaccination should be reviewed before treatment.
Other immunosuppressants and multiple-sclerosis disease-modifying therapies
Overlapping immune suppression may increase infection risk, so treatment transitions require specialist planning.
Common questions about Ublituximab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is ublituximab chemotherapy?
No. It is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that modifies immune activity, not conventional chemotherapy.
Does ublituximab cure multiple sclerosis?
No. It aims to reduce future relapses and inflammatory scan activity but does not cure multiple sclerosis or reverse existing nerve damage.
Can I have vaccines while receiving ublituximab?
Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment and until B cells have recovered. Other vaccines may produce a weaker response, so discuss timing with the specialist team.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.