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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:
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:
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:
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:
Your healthcare team monitors you during and after each infusion to ensure these symptoms are managed promptly.
Uplizna infusion cost varies depending on your insurance provider and coverage. Our team at MS & Neuromuscular Center of Excellence works closely with patients to ensure affordable, accessible care.
We partner with most major insurance carriers throughout the region, including Aetna, BayCare, Advent Health, Cigna, AvMed, Assurant, and others.
Our staff provides comprehensive support to make treatment more accessible:
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:
Beyond NMOSD, our comprehensive neurological expertise extends to multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, neuropathy & vein disease, and other conditions.
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 MS & Neuromuscular Center of Excellence's Infusion Center experience lower out-of-pocket expenses than those treated in hospital settings.
For over 35 years, MS & Neuromuscular Center of Excellence 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.
Referral Form:
Uplizna®What It Treats:
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD)
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)
FDA Approval:
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD): Approved on April 3, 2025
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): Approved on February 10, 2006
Manufacturer:
Viela Bio
She was great. Couldn't ask for anybody better. Hopefully, hopefully, he will keep up that good work and that communication. She listened well. I want to say that she needs to not change anything about herself
I am a new patient and so far everything has been great.
This was my first visit for migraines and Shreya Patel NP made me feel completely at ease. She took the time to answer every question and explained everything before we began. I highly recommend her and the entire staff.
My daughter has MS, we had an appointment with Dr. Cascione and I have nothing but praises to say about this doctor. He spent so long in the room talking to me and my daughter about MS, treatment, and lifestyle choices to aid my daughter in understanding her MS. Dr. Cascione was so easy to talk to and so kind throughout the entire appointment.
Sherya Patel has been the kindest, patient, most helpful & professional ARPN I’ve ever encountered. She takes the time to answer all our questions. My husband and I have seen her for years and couldn’t be happier.
I felt very comfortable with Dr Cascione. He is very knowledgeable I found I trusted him immediately which is rare for me I have been to many Md’s for my MS he knows what MS is all about.
Ms. Patel is extremely knowledgeable and understanding. I appreciate the efficiency of our visits as well as the thoroughness. My treatment plan approach is outstanding. The meds attack my dual diagnosis of different headaches and is very effective. She always confirms to make sure the efficacy of the treatment plan each visit. I feel extremely comfortable being in her care
Dr Cascione is the best! I have been seeing him for a long time. He listens to what I have to say. He spends a lot of time in the room and when you are done you know he has gone over everything. He is compassionate, caring and just an over all good Dr. I highly recommend anyone who has Multiple Sclerosis to use him as your neurologist.
Dr. Sivakolundu is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. He takes his time, listens carefully, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. I truly appreciated his patience and professionalism. Highly recommend.
Im so happy I found him he is caring and listens and will give you the best treatment.
Short wait, employees are friendly and helpful. Dr Cascione is very knowledgeable, patient and listens. He takes notes to remember everything you tell him and is very compassionate. He suggests new meds that may benefit you. Everyone in the office makes you feel welcome and cared for.
Dr. Jean-Raphael Schneider and his team are amazing. He truly listened to my migraine problems and have developed a plan to help me. Dr. Schneider's expertise in his field is evident, and it's clear that he is highly educated. I feel confident in his ability to help me overcome my migraines.
Dr Sivakolundu was very thorough, caring, and listened to all my questions. He took his time and I felt I had his undivided attention through the entire appointment.
I saw Dr Sivakolundu for the first time yesterday and he did more for me in one appointment then my previous neuro did in 6 months. I feel blessed to have found him and totally trust my care in his hands.
Wonderful, caring neurology group with excellent listening skills and proactive modalities. "Dr" Dawn (APRN) is fabulous with botox. Love them.
Dawn is attentive and compassionate regarding my ailments. Very informative, discusses all options of treatment. Most importantly I feel “Heard” and I feel safe with her
Dr. Sivakolundu is an excellent doctor. He’s knowledgeable and competent. He and his staff are very friendly. I’d absolutely recommend this place.
I never leave reviews but Dr. Schneider is extremely helpful and reassuring. He personally called and went over my results multiple times and answered any question I had. He has extremely well bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. His staff is extremely nice as well!
I am so grateful for Dr. Schneider and his staff. My 15 year old daughter started getting debilitating migraines about 2 years ago. His staff was incredible and was able to get her in to see him on short notice! He was thorough (poured over all her medical records), compassionate (made connections with my daughter through athletics), and really listened. I left his neurologist's office and felt a sense of hope. Thank you, Dr. Schneider and staff!!
I had a wonderful experience with Dawn Rushe-Wilde, ARNP. She was very thorough in her exam and took the time to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
I had a great experience with Dr Cascione. He is the go to for MS. Extremely knowledgeable. Answered all my questions. He took lots of time with me. I checked in, and they took me right away.The staff is very nice. Five stars from me.
Dawn came in the exam room fully prepared, including looking at the forms I had just brought in from a recent medical visit elsewhere. She is familiar with my history and asks for any updates from me. She explains things thoroughly, taking time to answer any questions and to make recommendations. Thank you, Dawn, for your excellent care
I am always pleased with Shreya! She is friendly and professional, answers all of my questions and my treatment is quick and virtually pain free.
Dawn Rush-Wild is very thorough doctor and a thoughtful listener. She provides options and doesn't push you into any of them. She has your best interests at heart.
Dr. Schneider and his team….WOW!!! I am super impressed on my first visit. Very knowledgeable, professional and kind. Dr. Schneider was thorough in addressing all my concerns and he sets the bar high for all other doctors! Their office is beautiful and comforting….again setting the bar high.
He is a 5 star migraine management specialist and I am grateful to have found him when I so desperately needed migraine relief. I wish he and all of his staff well
I had a great experience with Dr Cascione. He is the go to for MS. Extremely knowledgeable. Answered all my questions. He took lots of time with me. I checked in, and they took me right away.The staff is very nice. Five stars from me.
I felt very comfortable with Dr Cascione. He is very knowledgeable I found I trusted him immediately which is rare for me I have been to many Md’s for my MS he knows what MS is all about.
Short wait, employees are friendly and helpful. Dr Cascione is very knowledgeable, patient and listens. He takes notes to remember everything you tell him and is very compassionate. He suggests new meds that may benefit you. Everyone in the office makes you feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Cascione is the best! I have been seeing him for a long time. He listens to what I have to say. He spends a lot of time in the room and when you are done you know he has gone over everything. He is compassionate, caring and just an over all good Dr. I highly recommend anyone who has Multiple Sclerosis to use him as your neurologist.
My daughter has MS, we had an appointment with Dr. Cascione and I have nothing but praises to say about this doctor. He spent so long in the room talking to me and my daughter about MS, treatment, and lifestyle choices to aid my daughter in understanding her MS. Dr. Cascione was so easy to talk to and so kind throughout the entire appointment.
I am a new patient and so far everything has been great.
Im so happy I found him he is caring and listens and will give you the best treatment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is an excellent doctor. He’s knowledgeable and competent. He and his staff are very friendly. I’d absolutely recommend this place.
Dr Sivakolundu was very thorough, caring, and listened to all my questions. He took his time and I felt I had his undivided attention through the entire appointment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. He takes his time, listens carefully, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. I truly appreciated his patience and professionalism. Highly recommend.
I saw Dr Sivakolundu for the first time yesterday and he did more for me in one appointment then my previous neuro did in 6 months. I feel blessed to have found him and totally trust my care in his hands.
Dr. Schneider and his team….WOW!!! I am super impressed on my first visit. Very knowledgeable, professional and kind. Dr. Schneider was thorough in addressing all my concerns and he sets the bar high for all other doctors! Their office is beautiful and comforting….again setting the bar high.
This was my first visit for migraines and Shreya Patel NP made me feel completely at ease. She took the time to answer every question and explained everything before we began. I highly recommend her and the entire staff.
Sherya Patel has been the kindest, patient, most helpful & professional ARPN I’ve ever encountered. She takes the time to answer all our questions. My husband and I have seen her for years and couldn’t be happier.
I am always pleased with Shreya! She is friendly and professional, answers all of my questions and my treatment is quick and virtually pain free.
Ms. Patel is extremely knowledgeable and understanding. I appreciate the efficiency of our visits as well as the thoroughness. My treatment plan approach is outstanding. The meds attack my dual diagnosis of different headaches and is very effective. She always confirms to make sure the efficacy of the treatment plan each visit. I feel extremely comfortable being in her care
She was great. Couldn't ask for anybody better. Hopefully, hopefully, he will keep up that good work and that communication. She listened well. I want to say that she needs to not change anything about herself
Dawn is attentive and compassionate regarding my ailments. Very informative, discusses all options of treatment. Most importantly I feel “Heard” and I feel safe with her
I had a wonderful experience with Dawn Rushe-Wilde, ARNP. She was very thorough in her exam and took the time to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
Dawn came in the exam room fully prepared, including looking at the forms I had just brought in from a recent medical visit elsewhere. She is familiar with my history and asks for any updates from me. She explains things thoroughly, taking time to answer any questions and to make recommendations. Thank you, Dawn, for your excellent care
Dr. Jean-Raphael Schneider and his team are amazing. He truly listened to my migraine problems and have developed a plan to help me. Dr. Schneider's expertise in his field is evident, and it's clear that he is highly educated. I feel confident in his ability to help me overcome my migraines.
He is a 5 star migraine management specialist and I am grateful to have found him when I so desperately needed migraine relief. I wish he and all of his staff well
I am so grateful for Dr. Schneider and his staff. My 15 year old daughter started getting debilitating migraines about 2 years ago. His staff was incredible and was able to get her in to see him on short notice! He was thorough (poured over all her medical records), compassionate (made connections with my daughter through athletics), and really listened. I left his neurologist's office and felt a sense of hope. Thank you, Dr. Schneider and staff!!
I never leave reviews but Dr. Schneider is extremely helpful and reassuring. He personally called and went over my results multiple times and answered any question I had. He has extremely well bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. His staff is extremely nice as well!
Wonderful, caring neurology group with excellent listening skills and proactive modalities. "Dr" Dawn (APRN) is fabulous with botox. Love them.
Dawn Rush-Wild is very thorough doctor and a thoughtful listener. She provides options and doesn't push you into any of them. She has your best interests at heart.
I had a great experience with Dr Cascione. He is the go to for MS. Extremely knowledgeable. Answered all my questions. He took lots of time with me. I checked in, and they took me right away.The staff is very nice. Five stars from me.
I felt very comfortable with Dr Cascione. He is very knowledgeable I found I trusted him immediately which is rare for me I have been to many Md’s for my MS he knows what MS is all about.
Short wait, employees are friendly and helpful. Dr Cascione is very knowledgeable, patient and listens. He takes notes to remember everything you tell him and is very compassionate. He suggests new meds that may benefit you. Everyone in the office makes you feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Cascione is the best! I have been seeing him for a long time. He listens to what I have to say. He spends a lot of time in the room and when you are done you know he has gone over everything. He is compassionate, caring and just an over all good Dr. I highly recommend anyone who has Multiple Sclerosis to use him as your neurologist.
My daughter has MS, we had an appointment with Dr. Cascione and I have nothing but praises to say about this doctor. He spent so long in the room talking to me and my daughter about MS, treatment, and lifestyle choices to aid my daughter in understanding her MS. Dr. Cascione was so easy to talk to and so kind throughout the entire appointment.
I am a new patient and so far everything has been great.
Im so happy I found him he is caring and listens and will give you the best treatment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is an excellent doctor. He’s knowledgeable and competent. He and his staff are very friendly. I’d absolutely recommend this place.
Dr Sivakolundu was very thorough, caring, and listened to all my questions. He took his time and I felt I had his undivided attention through the entire appointment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. He takes his time, listens carefully, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. I truly appreciated his patience and professionalism. Highly recommend.
I saw Dr Sivakolundu for the first time yesterday and he did more for me in one appointment then my previous neuro did in 6 months. I feel blessed to have found him and totally trust my care in his hands.
Dr. Schneider and his team….WOW!!! I am super impressed on my first visit. Very knowledgeable, professional and kind. Dr. Schneider was thorough in addressing all my concerns and he sets the bar high for all other doctors! Their office is beautiful and comforting….again setting the bar high.
This was my first visit for migraines and Shreya Patel NP made me feel completely at ease. She took the time to answer every question and explained everything before we began. I highly recommend her and the entire staff.
Sherya Patel has been the kindest, patient, most helpful & professional ARPN I’ve ever encountered. She takes the time to answer all our questions. My husband and I have seen her for years and couldn’t be happier.
I am always pleased with Shreya! She is friendly and professional, answers all of my questions and my treatment is quick and virtually pain free.
Ms. Patel is extremely knowledgeable and understanding. I appreciate the efficiency of our visits as well as the thoroughness. My treatment plan approach is outstanding. The meds attack my dual diagnosis of different headaches and is very effective. She always confirms to make sure the efficacy of the treatment plan each visit. I feel extremely comfortable being in her care
She was great. Couldn't ask for anybody better. Hopefully, hopefully, he will keep up that good work and that communication. She listened well. I want to say that she needs to not change anything about herself
Dawn is attentive and compassionate regarding my ailments. Very informative, discusses all options of treatment. Most importantly I feel “Heard” and I feel safe with her
I had a wonderful experience with Dawn Rushe-Wilde, ARNP. She was very thorough in her exam and took the time to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
Dawn came in the exam room fully prepared, including looking at the forms I had just brought in from a recent medical visit elsewhere. She is familiar with my history and asks for any updates from me. She explains things thoroughly, taking time to answer any questions and to make recommendations. Thank you, Dawn, for your excellent care
Dr. Jean-Raphael Schneider and his team are amazing. He truly listened to my migraine problems and have developed a plan to help me. Dr. Schneider's expertise in his field is evident, and it's clear that he is highly educated. I feel confident in his ability to help me overcome my migraines.
He is a 5 star migraine management specialist and I am grateful to have found him when I so desperately needed migraine relief. I wish he and all of his staff well
I am so grateful for Dr. Schneider and his staff. My 15 year old daughter started getting debilitating migraines about 2 years ago. His staff was incredible and was able to get her in to see him on short notice! He was thorough (poured over all her medical records), compassionate (made connections with my daughter through athletics), and really listened. I left his neurologist's office and felt a sense of hope. Thank you, Dr. Schneider and staff!!
I never leave reviews but Dr. Schneider is extremely helpful and reassuring. He personally called and went over my results multiple times and answered any question I had. He has extremely well bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. His staff is extremely nice as well!
Wonderful, caring neurology group with excellent listening skills and proactive modalities. "Dr" Dawn (APRN) is fabulous with botox. Love them.
Dawn Rush-Wild is very thorough doctor and a thoughtful listener. She provides options and doesn't push you into any of them. She has your best interests at heart.
I had a great experience with Dr Cascione. He is the go to for MS. Extremely knowledgeable. Answered all my questions. He took lots of time with me. I checked in, and they took me right away.The staff is very nice. Five stars from me.
I felt very comfortable with Dr Cascione. He is very knowledgeable I found I trusted him immediately which is rare for me I have been to many Md’s for my MS he knows what MS is all about.
Short wait, employees are friendly and helpful. Dr Cascione is very knowledgeable, patient and listens. He takes notes to remember everything you tell him and is very compassionate. He suggests new meds that may benefit you. Everyone in the office makes you feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Cascione is the best! I have been seeing him for a long time. He listens to what I have to say. He spends a lot of time in the room and when you are done you know he has gone over everything. He is compassionate, caring and just an over all good Dr. I highly recommend anyone who has Multiple Sclerosis to use him as your neurologist.
My daughter has MS, we had an appointment with Dr. Cascione and I have nothing but praises to say about this doctor. He spent so long in the room talking to me and my daughter about MS, treatment, and lifestyle choices to aid my daughter in understanding her MS. Dr. Cascione was so easy to talk to and so kind throughout the entire appointment.
I am a new patient and so far everything has been great.
Im so happy I found him he is caring and listens and will give you the best treatment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is an excellent doctor. He’s knowledgeable and competent. He and his staff are very friendly. I’d absolutely recommend this place.
Dr Sivakolundu was very thorough, caring, and listened to all my questions. He took his time and I felt I had his undivided attention through the entire appointment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. He takes his time, listens carefully, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. I truly appreciated his patience and professionalism. Highly recommend.
I saw Dr Sivakolundu for the first time yesterday and he did more for me in one appointment then my previous neuro did in 6 months. I feel blessed to have found him and totally trust my care in his hands.
Dr. Schneider and his team….WOW!!! I am super impressed on my first visit. Very knowledgeable, professional and kind. Dr. Schneider was thorough in addressing all my concerns and he sets the bar high for all other doctors! Their office is beautiful and comforting….again setting the bar high.
This was my first visit for migraines and Shreya Patel NP made me feel completely at ease. She took the time to answer every question and explained everything before we began. I highly recommend her and the entire staff.
Sherya Patel has been the kindest, patient, most helpful & professional ARPN I’ve ever encountered. She takes the time to answer all our questions. My husband and I have seen her for years and couldn’t be happier.
I am always pleased with Shreya! She is friendly and professional, answers all of my questions and my treatment is quick and virtually pain free.
Ms. Patel is extremely knowledgeable and understanding. I appreciate the efficiency of our visits as well as the thoroughness. My treatment plan approach is outstanding. The meds attack my dual diagnosis of different headaches and is very effective. She always confirms to make sure the efficacy of the treatment plan each visit. I feel extremely comfortable being in her care
She was great. Couldn't ask for anybody better. Hopefully, hopefully, he will keep up that good work and that communication. She listened well. I want to say that she needs to not change anything about herself
Dawn is attentive and compassionate regarding my ailments. Very informative, discusses all options of treatment. Most importantly I feel “Heard” and I feel safe with her
I had a wonderful experience with Dawn Rushe-Wilde, ARNP. She was very thorough in her exam and took the time to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
Dawn came in the exam room fully prepared, including looking at the forms I had just brought in from a recent medical visit elsewhere. She is familiar with my history and asks for any updates from me. She explains things thoroughly, taking time to answer any questions and to make recommendations. Thank you, Dawn, for your excellent care
Dr. Jean-Raphael Schneider and his team are amazing. He truly listened to my migraine problems and have developed a plan to help me. Dr. Schneider's expertise in his field is evident, and it's clear that he is highly educated. I feel confident in his ability to help me overcome my migraines.
He is a 5 star migraine management specialist and I am grateful to have found him when I so desperately needed migraine relief. I wish he and all of his staff well
I am so grateful for Dr. Schneider and his staff. My 15 year old daughter started getting debilitating migraines about 2 years ago. His staff was incredible and was able to get her in to see him on short notice! He was thorough (poured over all her medical records), compassionate (made connections with my daughter through athletics), and really listened. I left his neurologist's office and felt a sense of hope. Thank you, Dr. Schneider and staff!!
I never leave reviews but Dr. Schneider is extremely helpful and reassuring. He personally called and went over my results multiple times and answered any question I had. He has extremely well bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. His staff is extremely nice as well!
Wonderful, caring neurology group with excellent listening skills and proactive modalities. "Dr" Dawn (APRN) is fabulous with botox. Love them.
Dawn Rush-Wild is very thorough doctor and a thoughtful listener. She provides options and doesn't push you into any of them. She has your best interests at heart.
