^{Ultomiris® Infusions: What Is It & Where To Get It}

What is Ultomiris®?

Ultomiris® (ravulizumab-cwvz) is a long-acting complement inhibitor used to treat several serious autoimmune and blood disorders in adults and children. At Rocky Mountain MS Clinic, we specialize in using Ultomiris infusion therapy for neurological conditions including generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adults who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive.

What makes Ultomiris unique is its long-acting formulation, which allows for significantly fewer infusions compared to previous complement inhibitors. Patients typically receive treatment every 8 weeks rather than every 2 weeks, providing greater convenience while maintaining effective disease control.

Ultomiris infusion is administered at our specialized infusion center. The treatment schedule includes:

Weight-Based Dosing Schedule (Adults 40 kg or more):

• Loading dose: Single infusion on Day 1
• First maintenance dose: Two weeks after loading dose
• Subsequent maintenance doses: Every 8 weeks

Infusion Duration:

• Most adult maintenance infusions take 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Infusion time is weight-dependent
• Post-infusion monitoring for at least 1 hour after each infusion

Important Safety Requirement: Because Ultomiris affects the immune system's ability to fight certain infections, vaccination against meningococcal bacteria is required before starting treatment. Additional vaccinations against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are also recommended.

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How Does Ultomiris Work?

In autoimmune neurological conditions like myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. A key part of this attack involves the complement system, a series of proteins that normally help fight infections but can cause damage when overactivated.

Specifically, the complement system can attack:

• In myasthenia gravis: The receptors at the junction where nerves communicate with muscles, disrupting signals and causing severe muscle weakness and fatigue
• In NMOSD: The aquaporin-4 channels in the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing inflammation, vision loss, pain, and weakness

Ultomiris works through a specific mechanism:

• Targets C5 complement protein: This is a critical protein in the complement cascade that triggers cell destruction
• Provides immediate inhibition: Complete C5 complement inhibition begins after the first dose
• Blocks immune attack: By inhibiting C5, Ultomiris prevents the complement system from destroying healthy cells
• Reduces inflammation: With less complement activity, inflammation in affected tissues decreases significantly
• Protects nerve and muscle function: By stopping the immune attack, Ultomiris helps preserve normal neurological function

Ultomiris provides immediate, complete, and sustained C5 complement inhibition after the first dose, with initial results often appearing quickly. For generalized myasthenia gravis, many patients notice improvements in daily activities (e.g., talking, chewing, swallowing, and standing up) within 1 week of starting treatment. While Ultomiris does not cure these conditions, it helps control disease activity, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Common Ultomiris infusion side effects include:

• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Back or joint pain
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Urinary tract infection

Serious Ultomiris infusion side effects require immediate medical attention:

• Serious meningococcal infections: The most serious risk, requiring immediate attention. Symptoms include fever with high heart rate, severe headache, stiff neck or back, confusion, sensitivity to light, body aches, or rash
• Other serious infections: Including pneumonia or blood infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae
• Infusion-related reactions: Lower back or abdominal pain, muscle spasms, blood pressure changes, tiredness, shaking chills, discomfort in arms/legs, bad taste, chest pain, or trouble breathing
• Severe allergic reactions: Swelling of face/tongue/throat, hives, or difficulty breathing

Your healthcare team provides comprehensive monitoring throughout your treatment, including observation during and after each infusion and ongoing assessment for any signs of infection.

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How Much Does Ultomiris Cost?

The Ultomiris infusion cost depends on insurance coverage and provider. At Rocky Mountain MS Clinic, we're dedicated to improving access and affordability for all our patients.

We work with most major insurance plans throughout Utah, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, along with Medicaid and Medicare. Our team works closely with your insurance company to ensure you receive maximum coverage for your Ultomiris treatment.

Our infusion staff provides comprehensive support to make treatment more accessible:

• Manages prior authorizations and benefits verification
• Provides clear information about expected out-of-pocket costs
• Assists with copay assistance programs and foundation support
• Explores all available financial resources to reduce treatment costs

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Why Patients Choose Rocky Mountain MS Clinic's Infusion Center to Receive Their Ultomiris Infusion

Clinical Excellence and Neurological Expertise

Our infusion center is led by board-certified neurologists and supported by a team of BSN-prepared Registered Nurses who specialize in neurological infusion care.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Ensuring all required vaccinations are completed before treatment initiation
• Careful monitoring during and after each infusion
• Ongoing assessment for any signs of infection
• Education about recognizing symptoms that require immediate medical attention
• Coordination with other specialists when needed

Our clinical expertise extends to comprehensive care for multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, and other neurological disorders as well.

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Lower Costs and Financial Assistance

We help patients handle insurance paperwork and access copay and foundation assistance to make treatment more affordable.

A Cigna report recently found that infusions at physician-owned centers like Rocky Mountain MS Clinic's Infusion Center often result in lower overall costs than at hospital outpatient centers.

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35+ Years of Trusted Neurological Care

With 35+ years of expertise in neurological care, Rocky Mountain MS Clinic proudly serves patients across the region. Our established reputation and proven track record with immunotherapy and infusion treatments give patients confidence they're receiving care from a team with extensive experience in managing complement inhibitor therapy.