- Treatment with ofatumumab showed significant reduction in the cumulative number of new brain lesions
- No unexpected safety findings
COPENHAGEN, Denmark I October 10, 2013 I Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) announced today top-line results from a Phase II study of the subcutaneous formulation of ofatumumab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
A total of 232 subjects with RRMS were randomized in the study. There was a clear separation from placebo on the cumulative number of new gadolinium enhancing lesions (active brain lesions) over a period of 12 weeks in subjects treated with all doses of ofatumumab compared to subjects treated with placebo [p < 0.001]. For the primary endpoint, analysis of data from weeks 0-12 estimated a 65% reduction in the cumulative number of new T1 gadolinium enhancing lesions for all doses [p < 0.001]. In weeks 4-12, analyses of data estimated a ≥ 90% reduction in the cumulative number of new T1 gadolinium enhancing lesions for all cumulative doses of ofatumumab ≥ 30 mg [p < 0.001].
There were no unexpected safety findings in the study. From weeks 0-12, injection related reactions were the most common adverse reaction and were observed in 52% of subjects receiving ofatumumab compared to 15% of subjects receiving placebo. There were five serious adverse events (SAEs) reported, all subjects received a 60 mg dose of ofatumumab and none of these subjects withdrew from the study. Twelve subjects withdrew during this time period; 10 of these subjects were receiving ofatumumab. To date, no cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) or opportunistic infections have been observed.
“We are encouraged by the results from this study, which we believe underline the potential of subcutaneous ofatumumab for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis,” said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.
About the study
This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled Phase II study, conducted by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), included subjects who had RRMS. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether 3, 30 or 60 mg of ofatumumab given subcutaneously reduces the number of new T1-weighted gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions (active brain lesions) over a period of 12 weeks, as compared with placebo, in subjects with RRMS.
Subjects in the study were randomized to one of the following treatment arms: 3 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg of subcutaneous ofatumumab every 12 weeks or 60 mg of subcutaneous ofatumumab every 4 weeks, or placebo followed by 3 mg of subcutaneous ofatumumab at week 12. The treatment period for all subjects was 24 weeks; subjects were then followed until B-cell repletion for at least an additional 24 weeks. Currently, all subjects have completed the 24-week treatment period; some subjects continue to be followed as per protocol.
About RRMS
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. MS is twice as common in females as in males, occurring with a peak incidence at the age of 35 years and incidence varies widely in different populations and ethnic groups. The etiology of MS remains unknown, but the geographic variation points towards possible environmental and genetic factors. The most common form of MS is relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) characterized by unpredictable recurrent attacks where the symptoms usually evolve over days and are followed by either complete, partial or no neurological recovery.
About ofatumumab
Ofatumumab is a human monoclonal antibody which targets an epitope on the CD20 molecule encompassing parts of the small and large extracellular loopsi. Ofatumumab is being developed under a co-development and collaboration agreement between Genmab and GSK. Under the companies’ agreement, GSK is solely responsible for development of ofatumumab in autoimmune indications and all related costs.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab is a publicly traded, international biotechnology company specializing in the creation and development of differentiated human antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Founded in 1999, the company’s first marketed antibody, ofatumumab (Arzerra®), was approved to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients who are refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab after less than eight years in development. Genmab’s validated and next generation antibody technologies are expected to provide a steady stream of future product candidates. Partnering of innovative product candidates and technologies is a key focus of Genmab’s strategy and the company has alliances with top tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. For more information visit www.genmab.com.
SOURCE: Genmab
Post Views: 140
- Treatment with ofatumumab showed significant reduction in the cumulative number of new brain lesions
- No unexpected safety findings
COPENHAGEN, Denmark I October 10, 2013 I Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) announced today top-line results from a Phase II study of the subcutaneous formulation of ofatumumab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
A total of 232 subjects with RRMS were randomized in the study. There was a clear separation from placebo on the cumulative number of new gadolinium enhancing lesions (active brain lesions) over a period of 12 weeks in subjects treated with all doses of ofatumumab compared to subjects treated with placebo [p < 0.001]. For the primary endpoint, analysis of data from weeks 0-12 estimated a 65% reduction in the cumulative number of new T1 gadolinium enhancing lesions for all doses [p < 0.001]. In weeks 4-12, analyses of data estimated a ≥ 90% reduction in the cumulative number of new T1 gadolinium enhancing lesions for all cumulative doses of ofatumumab ≥ 30 mg [p < 0.001].
There were no unexpected safety findings in the study. From weeks 0-12, injection related reactions were the most common adverse reaction and were observed in 52% of subjects receiving ofatumumab compared to 15% of subjects receiving placebo. There were five serious adverse events (SAEs) reported, all subjects received a 60 mg dose of ofatumumab and none of these subjects withdrew from the study. Twelve subjects withdrew during this time period; 10 of these subjects were receiving ofatumumab. To date, no cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) or opportunistic infections have been observed.
“We are encouraged by the results from this study, which we believe underline the potential of subcutaneous ofatumumab for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis,” said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.
About the study
This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled Phase II study, conducted by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), included subjects who had RRMS. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether 3, 30 or 60 mg of ofatumumab given subcutaneously reduces the number of new T1-weighted gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions (active brain lesions) over a period of 12 weeks, as compared with placebo, in subjects with RRMS.
Subjects in the study were randomized to one of the following treatment arms: 3 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg of subcutaneous ofatumumab every 12 weeks or 60 mg of subcutaneous ofatumumab every 4 weeks, or placebo followed by 3 mg of subcutaneous ofatumumab at week 12. The treatment period for all subjects was 24 weeks; subjects were then followed until B-cell repletion for at least an additional 24 weeks. Currently, all subjects have completed the 24-week treatment period; some subjects continue to be followed as per protocol.
About RRMS
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. MS is twice as common in females as in males, occurring with a peak incidence at the age of 35 years and incidence varies widely in different populations and ethnic groups. The etiology of MS remains unknown, but the geographic variation points towards possible environmental and genetic factors. The most common form of MS is relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) characterized by unpredictable recurrent attacks where the symptoms usually evolve over days and are followed by either complete, partial or no neurological recovery.
About ofatumumab
Ofatumumab is a human monoclonal antibody which targets an epitope on the CD20 molecule encompassing parts of the small and large extracellular loopsi. Ofatumumab is being developed under a co-development and collaboration agreement between Genmab and GSK. Under the companies’ agreement, GSK is solely responsible for development of ofatumumab in autoimmune indications and all related costs.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab is a publicly traded, international biotechnology company specializing in the creation and development of differentiated human antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Founded in 1999, the company’s first marketed antibody, ofatumumab (Arzerra®), was approved to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients who are refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab after less than eight years in development. Genmab’s validated and next generation antibody technologies are expected to provide a steady stream of future product candidates. Partnering of innovative product candidates and technologies is a key focus of Genmab’s strategy and the company has alliances with top tier pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. For more information visit www.genmab.com.
SOURCE: Genmab
Post Views: 140
