Genmab Announces Interim Results of Ofatumumab Phase II Study in Multiple Sclerosis
July 06 2010 - 1:45PM
Summary: Genmab announces interim results from a Phase II study of
ofatumumab in RRMS.
Genmab A/S (Copenhagen:GEN) announced today positive interim
results from an ofatumumab Phase II safety and pharmacokinetics
study in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
(RRMS).
A total of 38 patients were included in the trial, of which 12
patients received placebo and 26 patients received ofatumumab
intravenously. Patients were treated with ofatumumab at the dose
levels of 100 mg, 300 mg or 700 mg and followed for 24 weeks. There
were no dose limiting toxicities, no unexpected safety findings and
the rates of infection were comparable between the
groups. Efficacy was assessed as a secondary
endpoint. Although the study included a small number of
patients, statistically significant reductions in the number of
brain lesions (gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions and new/enlarging T2
lesions) as measured on serial MRI scans from week 8 to week 24
were seen on ofatumumab as compared to placebo and the reductions
were seen in all dose groups.
"We are encouraged by the first results from this initial Phase
II study of ofatumumab in RRMS, and are looking forward to seeing
the full study results later this year," said Prof. Jan G.J. van de
Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.
About the study
This double blind, randomized, dose-escalation trial includes
patients with RRMS with demonstrated disease activity as evidenced
by recent occurrence of relapses and/or MRI activity. Patients
are randomized to receive two infusions of 100 mg, 300 mg or 700 mg
of ofatumumab or placebo. After 24 weeks, the patients randomized
to placebo will be treated with ofatumumab and patients who
received ofatumumab will receive placebo. Thus, each patient will
receive two administrations of ofatumumab with 24 weeks follow-up,
resulting in a total treatment period of 48 weeks duration.
The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety of three
doses of ofatumumab in patients with RRMS. The primary endpoints of
the study were safety and pharmacokinetics.
About RRMS
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the
central nervous system. MS is twice as common in females as in
males, occurs 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
characterized by unpredictable recurrent attacks where the symptoms
usually evolve over days and are followed by either complete,
partial or no neurological recovery. No progression of neurological
impairment is experienced between attacks.
About ofatumumab
Ofatumumab is a novel human monoclonal antibody. It targets
a part of the CD20 molecule on B-cells encompassing an epitope in
the small loop. Ofatumumab is being developed under a
co-development and commercialization agreement between Genmab and
GlaxoSmithKline. Ofatumumab is not yet approved in any country for
RRMS.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company focused
on developing fully human antibody therapeutics for the potential
treatment of cancer. Genmab's world class discovery and development
teams are using cutting-edge technology to create and develop
products to address unmet medical needs. Our primary goal is
to improve the lives of patients who are in urgent need of new
treatment options. For more information on Genmab's products
and technology, visit www.genmab.com.
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Stock Exchange Release no. 25/2010
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