Inebilizumab (Uplizna®) reduces the formation of asymptomatic transverse myelitis lesions in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), according to a new analysis of results from a phase 3 clinical trial announced in a press release and presented at the 9th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology in Budapest, Hungary.
“This analysis offers new insights into the significance of subclinical MRI findings on the spinal cord as a potential signal of future attacks, adding to the growing list of tools available for physicians to better monitor their patients,” said study author Friedemann Paul, MD, PhD, in the press release.
“It is encouraging to see that Uplinza reduced the formation of these lesions. Future studies evaluating subclinical findings will help offer additional clarity on their relationship with disease activity.”
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The double-masked phase 3 N-MOmentum trial aimed to compare the efficacy of inebilizumab to placebo in reducing the risk of NMOSD attacks. It has been the largest phase 3 trial in NMOSD.
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Results not only showed that the treatment reduced the formation of asymptomatic MRI lesions; it also showed an association between subclinical spinal cord lesions and future NMOSD attacks.
“Attack prevention is a priority in managing NMOSD, as just one attack can lead to life-altering vision loss and mobility challenges,” said Kristina Patterson, MD, PhD, senior medical director, neuroimmunology medical affairs at Horizon Therapeutics, the developers of Uplizna.
“We are pleased to see that the long-term phase 3 pivotal trial data show that Uplinza effectively reduced subclinical MRI findings and NMOSD attacks while continuing to offer new learnings that help advance our understanding of the disease and improve patient care.”
NMOSD is a rare disease affecting the central nervous system. It is characterized by an autoimmune attack against the optic nerve and spinal cord. An NMOSD attack consists of optic neuritis and myelitis.
References
New analysis of MRI findings shows UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon) reduced the formation of subclinical spinal cord lesions in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). News release. Horizon Therapeutics; June 30, 2023.
N-MOmentum: a clinical research study of inebilizumab in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. ClinicalTrials.gov. July 25, 2014. Updated December 3, 2021. Accessed July 6, 2023.
