AMGEN PRESENTS POSITIVE PHASE 3 DATA FOR UPLIZNA® (INEBILIZUMAB-CDON) IN GENERALIZED MYASTHENIA GRAVIS (GMG) AT AANEM 2024
MINT Study Results Show Clinically Meaningful and Statistically Significant Efficacy in AChR+ and MuSK+ Patients
First and Only Phase 3 Placebo-Controlled gMG Trial for a Biologic That Tapered Corticosteroid Use
The trial met its primary endpoint, with a statistically significant change from baseline in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score for UPLIZNA (-4.2) compared with placebo (-2.2) (difference: –1.9, p<0.0001) at Week 26 for the combined study population. The study included patients who are acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive (AChR+) and those who are muscle-specific kinase autoantibody-positive (MuSK+), with participants receiving UPLIZNA or placebo on Day 1 and Day 15. UPLIZNA demonstrated continued improvement through Week 26. Notably, patients who entered the study taking corticosteroids were tapered down starting at Week 4 to prednisone 5 mg per day by Week 24. No new safety signals were identified.
"Patients living with generalized myasthenia gravis deserve an effective treatment option that provides long-term symptom relief. Once approved, UPLIZNA is expected to offer a new option for patients earlier in their treatment plan," said
Key secondary endpoints were tested sequentially in a predefined order. UPLIZNA demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful change from baseline compared to placebo for the first four key secondary endpoints.
- UPLIZNA demonstrated a statistically significant change in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score for the combined population (-4.8) compared to placebo (-2.3) at Week 26 (difference: -2.5, p=0.0002).
- In the AChR+ population, UPLIZNA demonstrated mean change from baseline (-4.2) in MG-ADL score at Week 26 compared to placebo (-2.4) (difference: -1.8, p=0.0015).
- In the AChR+ population, UPLIZNA demonstrated mean change from baseline (-4.4) in QMG score at Week 26 compared to placebo (-2.0) (difference -2.5, p=0.0011).
- In the MuSK+ population, UPLIZNA demonstrated mean change from baseline (-3.9) in MG-ADL score at Week 26 compared to placebo (-1.7) (difference -2.2, p=0.0297).
Additionally, in the MuSK+ population, the mean change from baseline in QMG score at Week 26 showed a trend favoring UPLIZNA but was not statistically significant (-5.2 for UPLIZNA and -3.0 for placebo, difference -2.3, p=0.1326).
"Myasthenia gravis can have a profound impact on patients by causing severe fatigable muscle weakness that impairs physical functioning, activities of daily living and quality of life," said
The overall safety results during the placebo-controlled period of the trial were consistent with the known safety profile of UPLIZNA. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were COVID-19, nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, infusion related reaction, headache and cough in the combined population.
MINT is the largest placebo-controlled gMG clinical trial for a biologic therapy (238 adults) and enrolled the largest number of patients (48 adults) who are MuSK+. The trial also included 190 adults who are AChR+. Further data will characterize placebo-controlled efficacy and safety of UPLIZNA over 12 months in AChR+ patients with gMG.
At the 2024 AANEM Annual Meeting,
UPLIZNA is currently approved for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive in
Based on the MINT primary results, Amgen is planning to file for approval in the
About the MINT Trial
The MINT trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (NCT04524273) evaluating the efficacy and safety of UPLIZNA in adults with gMG. The trial enrolled 238 adults with gMG, including 190 patients who are acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive (AChR+) and 48 patients who are muscle-specific kinase autoantibody-positive (MuSK+).
Eligibility criteria at screening and randomization included a
The primary endpoint was change from baseline in MG-ADL score at Week 26 in the combined population. Key secondary endpoints included change from baseline in QMG scores in the combined study population; change from baseline in MG-ADL score at Week 26 for the AChR+ cohort and separately the MuSK+ cohort; and change from baseline in QMG score at Week 26 for the AChR+ cohort and separately the MuSK+ cohort. Patients who entered the study taking a corticosteroid were tapered down to prednisone 5 mg a day, starting at Week 4 to Week 24. The MINT trial also includes an optional three-year open-label treatment period.
About Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)
Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a rare, chronic, B-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder that impairs neuromuscular communication and can cause muscle weakness, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing and impaired speech and vision.1-4 Approximately 85% of patients with myasthenia gravis have the generalized form, or gMG.4,5
The prevalence and incidence of gMG are increasing worldwide.5 There are between 80,000 and 100,000 patients with myasthenia gravis in the
B cells are central to the pathogenesis of gMG. The disease is thought to be primarily driven by pathogenic CD19+ plasmablasts and plasma cells that target critical proteins in the neuromuscular junction.1-3
About UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon) in NMOSD
INDICATION
UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon) is indicated for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
UPLIZNA is contraindicated in patients with:
- A history of life-threatening infusion reaction to UPLIZNA
- Active hepatitis B infection
- Active or untreated latent tuberculosis
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Infusion Reactions: UPLIZNA can cause infusion reactions, which can include headache, nausea, somnolence, dyspnea, fever, myalgia, rash, or other symptoms. Infusion reactions were most common with the first infusion but were also observed during subsequent infusions. Administer pre-medication with a corticosteroid, an antihistamine, and an anti-pyretic.
Infections: The most common infections reported by UPLIZNA-treated patients in the randomized and open-label periods included urinary tract infection (20%), nasopharyngitis (13%), upper respiratory tract infection (8%), and influenza (7%). Delay UPLIZNA administration in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved.
Increased immunosuppressive effects are possible if combining UPLIZNA with another immunosuppressive therapy.
The risk of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) reactivation has been observed with other B-cell-depleting antibodies. Perform HBV screening in all patients before initiation of treatment with UPLIZNA. Do not administer to patients with active hepatitis.
Although no confirmed cases of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) were identified in UPLIZNA clinical trials, JC virus infection resulting in PML has been observed in patients treated with other B-cell-depleting antibodies and other therapies that affect immune competence. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold UPLIZNA and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation.
Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors and tested for latent infection prior to initiating UPLIZNA.
Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment and after discontinuation, until B-cell repletion.
Reduction in Immunoglobulins: There may be a progressive and prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia or decline in the levels of total and individual immunoglobulins such as immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM) with continued UPLIZNA treatment. Monitor the level of immunoglobulins at the beginning, during, and after discontinuation of treatment with UPLIZNA until B-cell repletion especially in patients with opportunistic or recurrent infections.
Fetal Risk: May cause fetal harm based on animal data. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use an effective method of contraception during treatment and for 6 months after stopping UPLIZNA.
Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (at least 10% of patients treated with UPLIZNA and greater than placebo) were urinary tract infection and arthralgia.
For additional information on UPLIZNA, please see the Full Prescribing Information at www.UPLIZNA.com.
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In 2024,
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Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of
No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those we project. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, preclinical results do not guarantee safe and effective performance of product candidates in humans. The complexity of the human body cannot be perfectly, or sometimes, even adequately modeled by computer or cell culture systems or animal models. The length of time that it takes for us to complete clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for product marketing has in the past varied and we expect similar variability in the future. Even when clinical trials are successful, regulatory authorities may question the sufficiency for approval of the trial endpoints we have selected. We develop product candidates internally and through licensing collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures. Product candidates that are derived from relationships may be subject to disputes between the parties or may prove to be not as effective or as safe as we may have believed at the time of entering into such relationship. Also, we or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with our products, including our devices, after they are on the market.
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CONTACT: Amgen,
References
- Yi, J. S., Guptill, J. T., Stathopoulos, P., Nowak, R. J., & O'Connor, K. C. (2018). B cells in the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve, 57(2):172-184.
- Willcox H. N., Newsom-Davis, J., & Calder, L. R. (1984). Cell types required for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody synthesis by cultured thymocytes and blood lymphocytes in myasthenia gravis. Clinical and Experimental Immunology., 58:97-106.
- Stathopoulos P., Kumar, A., Nowak, R. J., & O'Connor, K. C. (2017). Autoantibody-producing plasmablasts after B cell depletion identified in muscle-specific kinase myasthenia gravis. JCI Insight, 2(17):e94263.
- Lazaridis K., & Tzartos, S. J. (2020). Autoantibody Specificities in Myasthenia Gravis; Implications for
Improved Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Frontiers in Immunology, 11:212. - Dresser L., Wlodarski, R., Rezania, K., & Soliven, B. (2021). Myasthenia Gravis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations. J Clin Med, 10(11):2235.
- Ye et al. Frontiers in Neurology. (2024);15:1339167.
- Rodrigues E., Umeh, E., Aishwarya, Navaratnarajah, N., Cole, A., & Moy, K. (2024). Incidence and prevalence of myasthenia gravis in
the United States : A claims-based analysis. Muscle Nerve, 69(2):166-171. - Hehir, M. K., & Silvestri, N. J. (2018). Generalized myasthenia gravis: classification, clinical presentation, natural history, and epidemiology.
Neurologic Clinics , 36:253-60. - Bubuioc, A. M., Kudebayeva, A., Turuspekova, S., Lisnic, V., & Leone, M. A. (2021). The epidemiology of myasthenia gravis.
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