Ublituximab: a new anti-CD20 agent for multiple sclerosis

The multiple sclerosis field has become accustomed to the sequential introduction of new agents from the same therapeutic class, such as beta-interferons, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators, and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. In their article on the ULTIMATE I and II phase 3 clinical trials, Steinman and colleagues 1 Steinman L Fox E Hartung HP et al. Ublituximab versus teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis. N Engl J Med. 2022; 387: 704-714 Crossref PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar introduce ublituximab as the next anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that might be added to the multiple sclerosis treatment landscape, which already includes ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, and rituximab. 2 Hauser SL Bar-Or A Comi G et al. Ocrelizumab versus interferon beta-1a in relapsing multiple sclerosis. N Engl J Med. 2017; 376: 221-234 Crossref PubMed Scopus (914) Google Scholar , 3 Hauser SL Bar-Or A Cohen JA et al. Ofatumumab versus teriflunomide in multiple sclerosis. N Engl J Med. 2020; 383: 546-557 Crossref PubMed Scopus (188) Google Scholar , 4 Hauser SL Waubant E Arnold DL et al. B-cell depletion with rituximab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. N Engl J Med. 2008; 358: 676-688 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1812) Google Scholar Having a choice between agents thought to share the same therapeutic mode of action invariably leads to discussions around whether, and how, they might meaningfully differ.