Soliris vs. Ultomiris for aHUS

Soliris (eculizumab) and Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz) are medications developed by Alexion to treat atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

How are these medications similar?

Both Soliris and Ultomiris contain humanized antibodies, or antibodies that work with the human immune system. These medications block the complement system, a part of the immune system that amplifies the immune response. In aHUS, the complement system is overactivate, causing the symptoms of this disease.

Doctors administer both medications by intravenous infusion, a process of delivering the medication directly into the bloodstream, over a period averaging for adults about 35 minutes (for Soliris) to a few hours (for Ultomiris).

For each treatment, a loading dosage is infused until patients can move to more infrequent, maintenance dosages. This transition depends on how a particular patient responds to treatment.

Both Soliris and Ultomiris can lower the body’s ability to respond to infections. In particular, patients may be more susceptible to meningococcal disease. For this reason, patients of either medication must get a meningococcal vaccine before beginning treatment.

How do Soliris and Ultomiris differ?

The two medications have different formulations and may interact differently with a patient’s immune system.

Doctors give Ultomiris at a higher dose than Soliris, which is why an infusion for Ultomiris takes longer. However, patients on Ultomiris may be able to have their treatments further apart (once every four to eight weeks for maintenance) than those using Soliris, who typically undergo a maintenance treatment every two weeks.

Where can I find out more?

In order for you to be treated with either Soliris or Ultomiris, your doctor must enroll you in a patient program, as well as inform you on the precautions necessary to take while you are using either medication.

If you would like more information, please see our pages: FAQs about Soliris or FAQs about Ultomiris.

Last updated: Aug. 3, 2020

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