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

What is Uplizna?

Uplizna® (inebilizumab-cdon) is an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody therapy used to treat adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are positive for anti–AQP4 antibodies. NMOSD is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes repeated inflammatory attacks on the optic nerves and spinal cord, which can lead to permanent vision loss, weakness, paralysis, and other neurological disabilities.

Uplizna belongs to the anti-CD19 therapy class, meaning it targets and depletes a broad range of B cells—including the cells responsible for producing the harmful AQP4 antibodies that drive NMOSD attacks. By reducing these destructive immune cells, Uplizna helps stabilize the disease, lower relapse risk, and protect long-term neurological function.

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

• Frequency: Initial two infusions two weeks apart, followed by maintenance infusions every six months
• Infusion duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours
• Observation period: Monitored during and after each infusion for potential reactions
• Total appointment time: Generally 2 to 3 hours including preparation and post-infusion observation

‍

How Does Uplizina Work?

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the central nervous system — especially the optic nerves and spinal cord. Here’s how Uplizna® specifically targets the immune process in NMOSD:

• Immune cells produce antibodies against Aquaporin‑4 (AQP4), a water channel on certain nerve-supporting cells in the brain and spinal cord.
• These AQP4 antibodies trigger inflammation, damaging the optic nerves or spinal cord.
• This damage can lead to severe symptoms: vision loss, paralysis or weakness, numbness, bladder or bowel problems, and long-term disability from repeated attacks.

Left unchecked, each relapse can cause permanent neurological harm — so preventing attacks is critical to preserving function and quality of life.

Uplizna® works through a targeted mechanism:

Uplizna® (inebilizumab‑cdon) is a monoclonal antibody designed to stop the autoimmune process at its source by targeting the immune cells responsible for AQP4 antibody production. Specifically:

• Uplizna binds to and depletes CD19-positive B cells — the immune cells that give rise to harmful AQP4 antibodies.
• With fewer B cells, there is less production of the harmful antibodies that trigger inflammation.
• This reduces the risk of new attacks, helping protect the optic nerves and spinal cord from immune-mediated damage.
• Over time, reducing antibody production helps stabilize disease activity, lower relapse rates, and protect long-term neurological function.
  
  

Many patients notice improvements in daily activities within weeks of starting Uplizna®, although individual responses may vary. While it is not a cure, Uplizna® helps control disease activity, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life over time.

Most patients tolerate Uplizna® well, though some may experience temporary side effects such as:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Upper respiratory infections
• Infusion site reactions (redness, itching, or mild swelling)
• These effects are usually mild and improve within a few hours to a few days.

Your healthcare team monitors you during and after each infusion to ensure these symptoms are managed promptly.

‍

‍

How Much Does Uplizna Cost?

Uplizna infusion cost varies depending on your insurance provider and coverage. Our team at Rocky Mountain MS Clinic works closely with patients to ensure affordable, accessible care.

We partner with most major insurance carriers throughout Utah, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, along with Medicaid and Medicare. 

Our staff provides comprehensive support to make treatment more accessible:

• Manages all insurance processes and prior authorizations
• Verifies benefits and clarifies expected costs
• Provides personalized assistance with copay programs
• Helps you access foundation support programs to lower out-of-pocket expenses

‍

‍

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

Clinical Excellence and Neurological Expertise

Our infusion center is led by board-certified neurologists and staffed by BSN-prepared Registered Nurses who specialize in neurological and autoimmune infusion care. Our team has extensive experience administering Uplizna® safely and effectively for patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Our comprehensive monitoring protocol includes:

• Careful observation during and after each infusion
• Ongoing assessment of neurological function and NMOSD symptoms
• Immediate response protocols for any concerning side effects
• Coordination with your overall care plan for consistent, personalized treatment

Beyond NMOSD, our comprehensive neurological expertise extends to multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorders, movement disorders, and other conditions. 

‍

Lower Costs and Financial Assistance

We manage prior authorizations, verify benefits, and help patients find copay and financial support programs to make Uplizna IV infusion more affordable.

A recent Cigna report shows that many patients treated at physician-owned infusion sites like Rocky Mountain MS Clinic's Infusion Center experience lower out-of-pocket expenses than those treated in hospital settings.

‍

35+ Years of Trusted Neurological Care

For over 35 years, Rocky Mountain MS Clinic has served thousands of patients across the region. Our decades of experience treating complex neurological and autoimmune conditions mean we understand how challenging NMOSD can be and how transformative effective infusion therapy can be for patients.

Our established reputation and commitment to staying current with the latest therapies, including innovative treatments like Uplizna®, give patients confidence they are receiving safe, effective, and cutting-edge care from an experienced, compassionate team.