Ultomiris (ravulizumab)
An approved treatment for Myasthenia Gravis.
The same compound appears under different names depending on the context. Here is how to identify Ravulizumab wherever you encounter it, plus the key facts at a glance.
- Generic name
- Ravulizumab
- Brand name
- Ultomiris
- Development code
- ALXN1210
- Drug class
- Complement inhibitor
- Manufacturer
- Alexion / AstraZeneca
- How it's taken
- Given as an intravenous infusion every 8 weeks after initial loading doses.
A long-acting complement C5 inhibitor for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis who test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies, requiring IV infusion only every 8 weeks. Blocks the immune system's complement cascade from damaging the nerve-muscle connection.
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Where Ravulizumab fits
Long-acting complement inhibitor for generalized MG, requiring less frequent dosing than eculizumab. Preferred by patients who want fewer infusion visits.
How Ravulizumab works
Ravulizumab binds to complement protein C5 and prevents it from being cleaved into C5a and C5b, blocking the downstream formation of the membrane attack complex. In gMG, this prevents complement-mediated destruction of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Its engineered antibody recycling gives it a much longer half-life than eculizumab.
Mechanism: Long-acting complement C5 inhibitor that prevents immune damage to neuromuscular junctions
Side effects and safety
Ultomiris has a boxed warning for serious, life-threatening meningococcal infections. Meningococcal vaccines must be completed or updated at least 2 weeks before the first dose unless waiting would be riskier, and the drug is only available through a restricted safety program (REMS). In the myasthenia gravis trial, the most common side effects were diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections, and abdominal pain was also more common than with placebo. Infusion reactions can occur. Get care right away for signs of meningitis or another serious infection.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.
Taking Ravulizumab
Given as an intravenous infusion every 8 weeks after initial loading doses. The extended dosing interval is a key advantage over other complement inhibitors. Administered at infusion centers. Meningococcal vaccination required before starting.
Availability and cost
Only available as the brand-name product.
Long-acting anti-C5 complement antibody requiring infusions only every 8 weeks versus biweekly for eculizumab. Engineered for extended half-life through pH-dependent recycling.
Help paying for Ultomiris
Pick your insurance to see which help fits. Drugmaker copay cards can't be used with Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE; charity funds are the usual route there.
- Copay help
Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 for ULTOMIRIS. Must enroll in OneSource. Not for Medicare, Medicaid or other government insurance.
For: private insurance · source - Insurance and case manager help
OneSource provides help navigating health insurance, treatment education, and a local Patient Education Manager.
For: private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, no insurance, underinsured · source
Good to know: If you have Medicare, Medicaid or other government insurance, OneSource says it can connect you to third-party resources that may help. OneSource also offers vaccination support.
- From a charity · NORD RareCareMyasthenia Gravis Medical Assistance fundOpen
Pays for: Medical and medication costs.
The foundation says: “Accepting new applications and re-enrollments for current year” - From a charity · NORD RareCareMyasthenia Gravis Premium Copay Assistance fundOpen
Pays for: Insurance premiums and copays.
The foundation says: “Accepting new applications and re-enrollments for current year” - From a charity · TotalAssist (formerly PAN Foundation)Myasthenia Gravis fundOpen
Pays for: Out-of-pocket costs for approved medications, up to $10,000 per year. Requires Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE.
- From a charity · The Assistance FundMyasthenia Gravis fundWaitlist
Pays for: Copays, coinsurance, deductibles and other health-related expenses.
The foundation says: “WAITLIST — Accepting Waitlist Patients. TAF is currently accepting requests to join the enrollment waitlist for this program. Waitlists a…”
Clinical trial results
CHAMPION-MG Phase 3 trial demonstrated rapid, significant, and sustained improvement in daily activities in AChR-antibody-positive gMG patients compared to placebo.
Development history
Approved for gMG in 2022. Originally developed by Alexion (now part of AstraZeneca) as a longer-acting successor to eculizumab. Also approved for PNH, atypical HUS, and anti-AQP4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The 8-week dosing interval reduces treatment burden compared to earlier complement inhibitors.
Explore Myasthenia Gravis trials
Other Myasthenia Gravis treatments
Ravulizumab in Trial Friend News and Guides
Common questions about Ravulizumab
▸What is Ravulizumab (Ultomiris)?
A long-acting complement C5 inhibitor for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis who test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies, requiring IV infusion only every 8 weeks. Blocks the immune system's complement cascade from damaging the nerve-muscle connection.
▸How does Ravulizumab work?
Ravulizumab binds to complement protein C5 and prevents it from being cleaved into C5a and C5b, blocking the downstream formation of the membrane attack complex. In gMG, this prevents complement-mediated destruction of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Its engineered antibody recycling gives it a much longer half-life than eculizumab.
▸What are the side effects of Ravulizumab?
Ultomiris has a boxed warning for serious, life-threatening meningococcal infections. Meningococcal vaccines must be completed or updated at least 2 weeks before the first dose unless waiting would be riskier, and the drug is only available through a restricted safety program (REMS). In the myasthenia gravis trial, the most common side effects were diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections, and abdominal pain was also more common than with placebo. Infusion reactions can occur. Get care right away for signs of meningitis or another serious infection.
▸How is Ravulizumab taken?
Given as an intravenous infusion every 8 weeks after initial loading doses. The extended dosing interval is a key advantage over other complement inhibitors. Administered at infusion centers. Meningococcal vaccination required before starting.
▸Is Ravulizumab FDA approved?
Yes, Ravulizumab (Ultomiris) is FDA approved (2022) for the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis.
▸How often is Ultomiris infused for MG?
After initial loading doses, Ultomiris is infused every 8 weeks for MG. This extended dosing interval is a significant advantage over eculizumab (Soliris), which requires infusions every 2 weeks, reducing the treatment burden by 75%.
▸How does ravulizumab achieve its longer duration of action?
Ravulizumab is engineered with antibody recycling technology that gives it a much longer half-life than eculizumab. The pH-dependent binding allows the antibody to be recycled by cells rather than degraded, extending its effective duration.
▸What did the CHAMPION-MG trial demonstrate?
The CHAMPION-MG Phase 3 trial showed rapid, significant, and sustained improvement in daily activities in AChR-antibody-positive gMG patients compared to placebo, supporting FDA approval in 2022.
▸Is meningococcal vaccination required for Ultomiris?
Yes. Like all complement C5 inhibitors, ravulizumab requires meningococcal vaccination before starting treatment due to the serious risk of meningococcal infections when complement activity is blocked.
▸Can patients switch from Soliris to Ultomiris?
Yes. Patients stable on eculizumab (Soliris) can switch to ravulizumab (Ultomiris) to benefit from the less frequent dosing schedule. Your doctor will manage the transition to ensure continuous complement inhibition.
▸What patient support is available for Ultomiris?
Alexion OneSource provides personalized support including insurance navigation, treatment education, a local Patient Education Manager, and vaccination support. Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 through the copay program; government insurance is not eligible for copay help.