* ENSPRYNG is
* ENSPRYNG is the first and only approved therapy targeting the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor given subcutaneously every four weeks
* Approval is supported by data demonstrating ENSPRYNG's robust efficacy, which was well-tolerated with a consistent safety profile, in a broad NMOSD population as a monotherapy and as an add-on therapy
*
NMOSD is commonly associated with pathogenic antibodies (AQP4-IgG) that target and damage a specific cell type, called astrocytes, resulting in inflammatory lesions of the optic nerve(s), spinal cord and brain. AQP4-IgG antibodies are detectable in the blood serum of around 70-80% of NMOSD patients, and these patients tend to experience a more severe disease course. Although most cases of NMOSD can be confirmed through a diagnostic test, up to 30% of people living with the condition are still frequently misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
"Today's approval in
ENSPRYNG is a humanised monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-6 receptor, believed to play a key role in the inflammation that occurs in people with NMOSD. ENSPRYNG was designed by
ENSPRYNG was recently approved in
The approval of ENSPRYNG in
In the overall population, a reduction in the risk of relapse was observed in both pivotal studies:
In SAkuraSky, the risk of relapse was reduced by 62% (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16-0.88; p=0.0184) with ENSPRYNG, compared to placebo (both treatment arms as an add-on therapy to baseline IST)
In SAkuraStar, the risk of relapse was reduced by 55% (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.23-0.89; p=0.0184) with ENSPRYNG monotherapy, compared to placebo
In the pre-specified subgroup of AQP4-IgG seropositive patients, a reduction in the risk of relapse was observed in both pivotal studies:
In SAkuraSky, the risk of relapse was reduced by 79% (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.75) with ENSPRYNG, compared to placebo (both treatment arms as an add-on therapy to baseline IST)
In SAkuraStar, the risk of relapse was reduced by 74% (HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.11-0.63) with ENSPRYNG monotherapy, compared to placebo
Overall, the proportion of patients with serious adverse events was similar between the ENSPRYNG and placebo groups in both studies. A lower rate of infections (including serious infections) was observed in patients treated with ENSPRYNG compared with the placebo group. The safety profile in longer term follow up is consistent with the double-blind period.
About SAkuraStar and SAkuraSky in NMOSD
SAkuraStar is a Phase III multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ENSPRYNG monotherapy administered to patients with NMOSD. The primary endpoint is the time to first protocol-defined relapse (PDR), adjudicated by an independent review committee in the double-blind period. Results from the SAkuraStar study were presented at the 35th
Ninety-five patients aged from 20-70 years were randomised to either of the following two treatment groups in a 2:1 ratio: ENSPRYNG (120 mg) or placebo. Both treatments were administered subcutaneously at week 0, 2, and 4. The subsequent treatment was continued at 4-week intervals. The double-blind treatment period ended at 1.5 years after the enrollment of the last patient. After experiencing a PDR or upon completion of the study, patients in both groups were offered treatment with ENSPRYNG in an open-label extension (OLE) period. Patients with AQP4-IgG seropositive or seronegative neuromyelitis optica (NMO, as defined by the diagnostic criteria in 2006) and those with AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD were enrolled. The overall population in the SAkuraStar study is representative of the types of NMOSD patients seen in real-world clinical practice, which includes 70-80% of patients diagnosed as AQP4-IgG seropositive.
SAkuraSky is a Phase III multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ENSPRYNG as an add-on therapy to baseline IST in patients with NMOSD. The primary endpoint was the time to first PDR as adjudicated by an independent review committee in the double-blind period. Results from the SAkuraSky study were published in the
Eighty-three male and female patients aged from 13 to 73 years were randomised to either of the following two treatment groups in a 1:1 ratio: ENSPRYNG (120 mg) or placebo added to baseline therapy (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and/or corticosteroids). Both treatments were administered subcutaneously at week 0, 2, and 4. The subsequent treatment was continued at 4-week intervals. The double-blind treatment ended when patients experienced a PDR; the study ended when the total number of PDRs reached 26. After experiencing a PDR or upon completion of the study, patients in both groups were offered treatment with ENSPRYNG in an OLE period. Patients with AQP4-IgG seropositive or seronegative neuromyelitis optica (NMO, as defined by diagnostic criteria in 2006) and those with AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD were enrolled. The overall population in the SAkuraSky study is representative of the types of NMOSD patients seen in real-world clinical practice, which includes 70-80% of patients diagnosed as AQP4-IgG seropositive.
About ENSPRYNG® (satralizumab)
ENSPRYNG, which was designed by Chugai, a member of the
Positive Phase III results for ENSPRYNG, as both monotherapy and as an add-on to baseline IST, suggest that IL-6 inhibition may be an effective therapeutic approach for NMOSD. The Phase III clinical development programme for ENSPRYNG includes two studies: SAkuraStar and SAkuraSky.
About neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
NMOSD is a rare, lifelong and debilitating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that primarily damages the optic nerve(s) and spinal cord, causing blindness, muscle weakness and paralysis. People with NMOSD experience unpredictable, severe relapses directly causing cumulative, permanent, neurological damage and disability. In some cases, relapse can result in death. NMOSD affects over 10,000 people in
NMOSD is commonly associated with pathogenic antibodies (AQP4-IgG) that target and damage a specific cell type, called astrocytes, resulting in inflammatory lesions of the optic nerve(s), spinal cord and brain. AQP4-IgG antibodies are detectable in the blood serum of around 70-80% of NMOSD patients.
Although most cases of NMOSD can be confirmed through a diagnostic test, people living with the condition are still frequently misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This is due to overlapping characteristics of the two disorders, including a higher prevalence in women, similar symptoms and the fact that both are relapse-based conditions.
About
Neuroscience is a major focus of research and development at
About
Founded in 1896,
The
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
Roche Group Media Relations
Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com
-
-
-
-
-
-
.
(C) 2020 M2 COMMUNICATIONS, source