From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended dosage of OCREVUS ZUNOVO is 920 mg/23,000 units (920 mg ocrelizumab and 23,000 units of hyaluronidase) administered as a single 23 mL subcutaneous injection in the abdomen over approximately 10 minutes every 6 months. Patients were randomized to receive either BRIUMVI, given as an IV infusion of 150 mg for the first infusion, 450 mg two weeks after the first infusion for the second infusion/second dose, and 450 mg every 24 weeks after the first infusion for subsequent doses
The major dosing/administration difference between ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) and ublituximab (Briumvi) is that Ocrevus is administered subcutaneously, while Briumvi is administered intravenously. Additionally, Ocrevus has a recommended dosage of 920 mg/23,000 units every 6 months, whereas Briumvi has a recommended dosage of 150 mg for the first infusion, 450 mg for the second infusion, and 450 mg every 24 weeks for subsequent doses.
- Administration route: Ocrevus (subcutaneous) vs Briumvi (intravenous)
- Dosage frequency: Ocrevus (every 6 months) vs Briumvi (every 24 weeks after initial doses) 1 2
From the Research
The major dosing/administration difference between ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) and ublituximab (Briumvi) is their infusion duration, with Briumvi having a significantly shorter infusion duration of about 1 hour vs. 2-4 hours for Ocrevus. Both medications are CD20-directed monoclonal antibodies used to treat multiple sclerosis and both require initial loading doses. Ocrelizumab's initial dosing consists of two 300 mg infusions separated by two weeks, followed by 600 mg maintenance infusions every 6 months 3. Ublituximab begins with a 150 mg infusion on day 1, followed by a 450 mg infusion on day 15, then transitions to 450 mg maintenance infusions every 24 weeks. The infusion duration of ocrelizumab can be shortened to 2 hours without sacrificing patient safety, as shown in the SaROD study 3. However, the most significant difference in infusion duration is between ocrelizumab and ublituximab, with ublituximab having a shorter infusion time.
Some key points to consider when administering these medications include:
- Both medications require premedication with corticosteroids and antihistamines to reduce infusion reactions, which are common with these B-cell depleting therapies 4.
- The mechanism of action for both drugs involves targeting CD20-positive B cells, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
- Infusion-related reactions (IRRs) are the most common adverse events associated with both therapeutics, but can be managed with appropriate pretreatment and infusion rate adjustment 4, 3.
Overall, the choice between ocrelizumab and ublituximab should be based on individual patient needs and preferences, taking into account factors such as infusion duration, maintenance dosing frequency, and potential side effects.