Novartis anticipates potential regulatory approval in the
The regulatory submissions were based on data from the Phase III ASCLEPIOS I and II trials, which investigated the efficacy and safety of monthly subcutaneous ofatumumab 20mg versus once daily oral teriflunomide 14mg in adults with RMS. The results from these studies were presented at the 35th
'We are very pleased that subcutaneous ofatumumab has moved closer to potential approval for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis in both the
About ASCLEPIOS
The ASCLEPIOS I and II studies (NCT02792218 and NCT02792231) are twin, identical design, flexible duration (up to 30 months), double-blind, randomized, multi-center Phase III studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of ofatumumab 20mg monthly subcutaneous injections versus teriflunomide 14mg oral tablets taken once daily in adults with a confirmed diagnosis of RMS1,2. The studies enrolled 1,882 patients with relapsing MS, between the ages of 18 and 55 years, with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0 and 5.51,2. The studies were conducted in over 350 sites in 37 countries.
The primary endpoint of both studies was to demonstrate that ofatumumab is superior to teriflunomide in reducing the frequency of confirmed relapses as evaluated by the ARR in patients treated up to 30 months1,2. Secondary endpoints included time to disability progression confirmed at three and six months respectively, confirmed disability improvement at six months, gadolinium enhancing T1 lesions, number of new or enlarging T2 lesions, serum levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), and rate of brain volume loss1,2. Safety and the pharmacokinetic properties of ofatumumab were also all measured throughout the treatment period1,2.
About Ofatumumab
Ofatumumab (OMB157) is a fully human CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) self-administered by a once-monthly subcutaneous injection that is in development for relapsing MS. Ofatumumab works by binding to the CD20 molecule on the B-cell surface and inducing potent B-cell lysis and depletion. Positive Phase IIb results in MS patients were presented in 2014 and showed a marked significant reduction in the number of new brain lesions in the first 24 weeks after ofatumumab administration3. Novartis initiated a Phase III program for ofatumumab in RMS in
About Multiple Sclerosis
MS disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord through inflammation and tissue loss4. MS, which affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide5, is often characterized into the following forms: primary progressive MS (PPMS) and relapsing MS, which includes relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS)6. Approximately 85% of patients initially present with relapsing forms of MS5.
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