– On primary efficacy and key secondary endpoints, TransCon hGH demonstrated statistically significant reduction from baseline in trunk fat and increase in total body lean mass at Week 38 compared to placebo
– TransCon hGH was generally safe and well tolerated, similar to daily hGH, with no discontinuations related to study drug
– Exploratory post-hoc analysis suggests the same treatment effects on target tissues as daily hGH
COPENHAGEN, Denmark I December 19, 2023 I Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) today announced positive topline results from foresiGHt, its Phase 3 randomized, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled (double-blind) and active-controlled (open-label) trial to compare the efficacy and safety of TransCon hGH (lonapegsomatropin) with placebo and daily hGH (human growth hormone, somatropin) in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
The foresiGHt Trial evaluated 259 adults with GHD aged 23 to 80 years old, randomized 1:1:1, titrated to receive a target fixed dose of TransCon hGH, placebo, or daily hGH based on age and oral estrogen intake with approximately equivalent hGH mg/week for TransCon hGH and daily hGH.
- TransCon hGH demonstrated superiority on its primary efficacy endpoint at Week 38:
- Change from baseline in trunk percent fat as measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (TransCon hGH -1.67% vs. placebo +0.37%, LS mean difference = -2.04%, p < 0.0001)
- TransCon hGH demonstrated superiority on its key secondary efficacy endpoints at Week 38:
- Change from baseline in total body lean mass (TransCon hGH +1.60 kg vs placebo
-0.10 kg, LS mean difference = 1.70 kg, p < 0.0001) - Change from baseline in trunk fat mass (TransCon hGH -0.48 kg vs placebo +0.22 kg, LS mean difference = -0.70 kg, p = 0.0053)
- Change from baseline in total body lean mass (TransCon hGH +1.60 kg vs placebo
- Exploratory post-hoc analysis at Week 38 demonstrated comparable treatment effect of TransCon hGH and daily hGH on target tissues. For patients with IGF-1 SDS levels ≤ 1.75 at Week 38:
- Change from baseline in trunk percent fat (TransCon hGH -2.42% vs. daily hGH -2.59%)
- Change from baseline in total body lean mass (TransCon hGH +1.70 kg vs daily hGH +1.37 kg)
- Change from baseline in trunk fat mass (TransCon hGH -0.90 kg vs daily hGH -0.94 kg)
- TransCon hGH was generally safe and well tolerated, with no discontinuations related to study drug and with comparable safety and tolerability to daily hGH.
“TransCon hGH, our once-weekly growth hormone, is designed to deliver unmodified somatropin, thereby preserving the same overall endocrine benefits inherent in endogenous and daily hGH,” said Jan Mikkelsen, Ascendis Pharma’s President and CEO. “Next year, we plan to submit a supplemental Biologics License Application to the U.S. FDA for the adult GHD indication and look forward to reporting data from our Phase 2 program in Turner syndrome.”
About Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency
Growth hormone plays an essential role in the health of children and adults, promoting normal growth in children and maintenance of normal body composition and cardiometabolic health throughout adulthood. In adults, growth hormone boosts protein production, promotes fat utilization, enhances muscle mass, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Adult GHD is a condition in which an individual’s body does not produce enough growth hormone. Symptoms and morbidity can include central obesity, metabolic syndrome, decreased bone density, alterations in lipid profile and markers of cardiovascular risk, fatigue, general weakness, lack of muscle tone, and psychological symptoms such as cognitive impairment, social isolation, lack of motivation, and depression.1
About Ascendis Pharma A/S
Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by its core values of patients, science and passion, Ascendis uses its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has additional facilities in Germany (Heidelberg and Munich) and the United States (Palo Alto and Redwood City, California, and Princeton, New Jersey). Please visit ascendispharma.com to learn more.
SOURCE: Ascendis Pharma