Briumvi (Ublituximab): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, and Safety for Multiple Sclerosis

Living with a relapsing form of multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel like navigating unpredictable waves. The uncertainty of when the next relapse might occur often brings anxiety and impacts daily life. Modern MS treatments aim to bring stability and control to this journey — and among the most advanced of these options is Briumvi (ublituximab).

Briumvi is a prescription medication approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults. Unlike oral pills or self-injections, Briumvi is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion only twice a year after the initial starting doses. It belongs to a class of targeted biologic drugs known as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, designed to find and eliminate specific immune cells that contribute to MS progression. For many patients, Briumvi offers a convenient and highly effective way to reduce relapses and slow the disease’s advancement.

What Is Briumvi Used For?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Briumvi for treating several relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), including:

  • Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): The first neurologic episode suggestive of MS.
  • Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): The most common type, with alternating periods of relapses and remissions.
  • Active Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): A progressive form with ongoing relapses or new MRI activity.

The main goals of Briumvi therapy are to reduce the number of relapses, slow the progression of disability, and decrease new or enlarging brain lesions seen on MRI scans. Clinical studies have shown that Briumvi significantly lowers the annual relapse rate compared to other widely used MS therapies (TG Therapeutics, 2022).

How Does Briumvi Work?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath — the protective coating around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This immune attack causes inflammation and nerve damage, disrupting communication between the brain and body.

Briumvi targets a specific group of immune cells known as B-cells, which play a central role in the autoimmune response of MS. These cells carry a surface protein called CD20, which acts as a unique identifier.

Briumvi is a lab-engineered monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 on these B-cells. Once bound, it signals the immune system to eliminate them, helping to calm inflammation in the central nervous system while preserving most of the immune system’s ability to fight infections. By selectively removing these “rogue” B-cells, Briumvi helps prevent further damage to the myelin sheath and reduces relapse frequency.

Briumvi Side Effects

Like all medications, Briumvi can cause side effects. The most common are infusion reactions, which typically occur during or shortly after the first treatment. These reactions are usually mild and temporary but should be closely monitored by medical staff.

Common Infusion Reactions

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat

To reduce the risk of these reactions, healthcare providers give pre-medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, or fever reducers before each infusion. Reactions are most common with the first dose and tend to lessen with subsequent treatments.

Other Common Side Effects

  • Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., common cold, sinus infection)
  • Lower respiratory infections (e.g., bronchitis)

Serious Side Effects (Less Common)

  • Serious infections: Briumvi may weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infection. Doctors typically screen for dormant infections like hepatitis B before treatment, as these can reactivate.
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): A rare but potentially fatal viral brain infection. While not reported in Briumvi clinical trials, it has occurred with similar drugs in the same class.
  • Low immunoglobulin levels: Long-term use may reduce protective antibodies, increasing infection risk over time.

Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they experience persistent fever, signs of infection, or new or worsening neurological symptoms such as confusion, vision changes, or one-sided weakness.

Briumvi Dosage and Administration

Briumvi is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or infusion center under medical supervision. The initial two doses are given two weeks apart. Subsequent maintenance infusions are scheduled every 24 weeks (about six months). Each infusion typically lasts about one hour, making it faster than most other anti-CD20 therapies.

Before starting treatment, healthcare providers will perform blood tests to check immune cell counts and screen for hepatitis B. During therapy, they may periodically monitor B-cell levels and immunoglobulin (antibody) levels to ensure continued safety and effectiveness.

After each infusion, patients are observed for a short time to monitor for any immediate reactions. Most individuals tolerate treatment well, and reactions generally become milder with subsequent infusions.

Does Briumvi Have a Generic or Biosimilar?

No, there is currently no generic or biosimilar version of Briumvi available. Because it is a complex biologic drug, the equivalent of a generic would be a “biosimilar,” which requires separate FDA approval. As of 2025, no biosimilar versions of ublituximab have been approved. Briumvi remains available only as a brand-name product manufactured by TG Therapeutics.

Key Takeaways

Briumvi (ublituximab) represents an important advancement in the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. By selectively targeting CD20-positive B-cells, it helps reduce relapses, limit brain inflammation, and slow disease progression — all with a manageable twice-yearly infusion schedule.

While infusion reactions and infection risks require monitoring, these effects can be safely managed with appropriate medical supervision. For many patients, Briumvi offers both convenience and powerful efficacy, helping them regain control over their condition and improve long-term outcomes.

Always discuss with your neurologist whether Briumvi is appropriate for your specific form of MS and overall health profile.

References

  • Mayo Clinic. (2024). Ublituximab-xiiy (Intravenous Route). MayoClinic.org
  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (n.d.). Briumvi® (ublituximab-xiiy). NationalMSSociety.org
  • TG Therapeutics, Inc. (2022). BRIUMVI™ (ublituximab-xiiy) Prescribing Information. FDA.gov