Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced the presentation of positive top-line results from the Phase 3 MINT trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of UPLIZNA ® (inebilizumab-cdon) for the treatment of adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), a rare autoimmune disorder. Results from this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial will be presented at the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Scientific Session during the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) Annual Meeting, taking place Oct. 15-18 in Savannah, Georgia .
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
"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 Jay Bradner , M.D., executive vice president, Research and Development, and chief scientific officer at Amgen. "UPLIZNA targets CD19+ pre-B cells, mature B-cells and some plasmablasts, which are drivers of the disease. The clinically significant results from the MINT trial further strengthen the growing evidence for UPLIZNA in severe autoimmune diseases and reinforce Amgen's leadership in B-cell targeting therapeutics."
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 Richard J. Nowak , M.D., M.S., global principal study investigator and director of the Myasthenia Gravis Clinic at Yale University . "This trial demonstrates clinically meaningful benefits of UPLIZNA, a twice-yearly infused medicine with a unique mechanism of action that selectively targets and depletes CD19+ B cells, which are key upstream drivers of myasthenia gravis. MINT is also the only Phase 3 biologic trial that included a protocol-specified steroid taper, an important consideration for patients as effects of prolonged high-dose steroid use contribute to the overall burden of disease."
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, Amgen will also be presenting a poster titled, "The Burden of Glucocorticoid Use Among Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis in the United States ," highlighting how higher use of glucocorticoids was associated with more toxicities and overall health care resource utilization and costs.
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 the United States , European Union, Brazil and Canada , among other countries. UPLIZNA was also recently granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for IgG4-Related Diseases by FDA following Phase 3 results announced in June.
Based on the MINT primary results, Amgen is planning to file for approval in the U.S., followed by other key markets.
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 Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification of II, III, or IV disease, MG-ADL score between 6 and 10 with greater than 50% of this score attributed to non-ocular items, or an MG-ADL score of at least 11, QMG score of at least 11, and use of a corticosteroid and/or non-steroidal immunosuppressant.
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 U.S. 6,7 Approximately 85% of patients with myasthenia gravis have detectable antibodies against AChR, and approximately 7% have detectable antibodies against MuSK. 8 Global prevalence is estimated at 2-36 cases per 100,000. 9 The disease is more frequently seen in young women (age 20-30) and men aged 50 years and older. 5,9
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 .
About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers innovative medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against some of the world's toughest diseases. More than 40 years ago, Amgen helped to establish the biotechnology industry and remains on the cutting-edge of innovation, using technology and human genetic data to push beyond what's known today. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline that builds on its existing portfolio of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and rare diseases.
In 2024, Amgen was named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and one of "America's Best Large Employers" by Forbes, among other external recognitions . Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average ® , and it is also part of the Nasdaq-100 Index ® , which includes the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization.
For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow Amgen on X , LinkedIn , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Threads .
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References
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- 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.
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- 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. Journal of Medicine and Life, 14(1):7-16.
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