Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced the presentation of new data across its rare disease portfolio and pipeline at the annual American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024 conference in Washington, D.C. Nov. 14-19, 2024 . New data showcase reduction in disease activity by UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon) in Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD) and support shorter infusion times for KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) co-administered with weekly oral methotrexate 15 mg.
“These data add to the growing body of evidence for UPLIZNA and KRYSTEXXA and strengthen our commitment to developing new treatment options for rare diseases like IgG4-RD and uncontrolled gout,” said Jay Bradner , M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development and chief scientific officer at Amgen. “Patients living with these debilitating conditions deserve new approaches targeting the underlying causes of disease, potentially improving outcomes and enhancing the overall treatment experience.”
Key presentations include:
A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Study of Inebilizumab in IgG4-Related Disease (MITIGATE): Primary Efficacy and Safety Findings
Abstract #0775, Abstract Session: Saturday, Nov. 16 from 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET
MITIGATE, the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study ever conducted in IgG4-RD, evaluated the safety and efficacy of CD19+ B-cell depletion with UPLIZNA.
Key findings include*:
- A clinically meaningful and statistically significant 87% reduction in the risk of IgG4-RD flare compared to placebo (Hazard Ratio 0.13, p
- A reduction in annualized flare rate for treated and adjudication committee-determined flares during the placebo-controlled period; 0.10 for participants receiving UPLIZNA compared to 0.71 for participants receiving placebo (p
- 57.4% (39 of 68) of participants receiving UPLIZNA achieved flare-free, treatment-free, complete remission at Week 52 compared to 22.4% (15 of 67) participants receiving placebo (p
- 58.8% (40 of 68) of participants receiving UPLIZNA achieved flare-free, corticosteroid-free, complete remission at Week 52 compared to 22.4% (15 of 67) participants receiving placebo (p
- Confirmation of the unique mechanism of action of UPLIZNA to deliver rapid and sustained depletion of peripheral B cells leading to lowered levels of disease biomarkers. Flares are indicative of high disease activity.
Notably, 89.7% (61 of 68) of UPLIZNA-treated patients required no glucocorticoid treatment for disease control during the placebo-controlled period, compared to 37.3% (25 of 67) of patients on placebo. After Week 8, UPLIZNA-treated patients experienced a ten-fold reduction in total glucocorticoid use relative to placebo.
The safety results in the placebo-controlled period were consistent with the established safety profile of UPLIZNA. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events included COVID-19, lymphopenia, urinary tract infection, and headache.
The data were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine . In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for UPLIZNA in IgG4-RD based on data from the MITIGATE study, and regulatory filing activities are currently underway.
*All p-values follow the New England Journal of Medicine reporting guidelines; values smaller than 0.001 are presented as 0.001.
Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Pegloticase Administered with a Shorter Infusion Duration in Subjects with Uncontrolled Gout Receiving Methotrexate: Primary Findings of the AGILE Open-label Trial
Abstract #2012, Poster Session C: Monday, Nov. 18 from 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET
The AGILE trial assessed the safety, tolerability and efficacy of KRYSTEXXA administered with a shorter infusion duration in patients with uncontrolled gout receiving methotrexate as co-administration.
Safety and efficacy data from the 60-minute infusion duration cohort of the AGILE trial are similar to the MIRROR randomized clinical trial and current administration of KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate over at least 120 minutes.
Key findings include:
- 67.2% (78 of 116) of participants receiving a 60-minute infusion duration of KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate achieved and maintained a response during Month 6, defined as a urate level of
- 6.0% (7 of 116) of participants receiving a 60-minute infusion duration of KRYSTEXXA with methotrexate experienced an infusion reaction, including anaphylaxis (1.7%; 2 of 116 participants), based on adjudicated results.
Regulatory filings for the AGILE study findings are currently underway.
About Uncontrolled Gout
Gout is a chronic, progressive inflammatory form of arthritis that is caused by high urate levels in the body. Tiny needle-like crystals can form and build up almost anywhere in the body. Patients with uncontrolled gout continue to have high levels of uric acid and ongoing symptoms of gout despite the use of oral urate-lowering therapies. Uncontrolled gout is a chronic, systemic disease, and if not addressed can have significant clinical consequences.
About KRYSTEXXA ® (pegloticase)
KRYSTEXXA is the first and only biologic approved by the FDA to treat adults living with uncontrolled gout, a painful and debilitating inflammatory condition with which people continue to have abnormally high levels of uric acid and symptoms despite the use of conventional therapies.
In 2022, the FDA approved expanding labeling to include co-administration with the immunomodulator methotrexate, based on results from the MIRROR randomized controlled trial, which showed significant improvements in efficacy and safety, including a reduction in infusion reactions.
KRYSTEXXA ® (pegloticase) U.S. Indication
KRYSTEXXA is indicated for the treatment of chronic gout in adult patients who have failed to normalize serum uric acid and whose signs and symptoms are inadequately controlled with xanthine oxidase inhibitors at the maximum medically appropriate dose or for whom these drugs are contraindicated.
Limitations of Use: KRYSTEXXA is not recommended for the treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia.
KRYSTEXXA U.S. Important Safety Information
WARNING: ANAPHYLAXIS AND INFUSION REACTIONS, G6PD DEFICIENCY ASSOCIATED HEMOLYSIS AND METHEMOGLOBINEMIA
- Anaphylaxis and infusion reactions have been reported to occur during and after administration of KRYSTEXXA.
- Anaphylaxis may occur with any infusion, including a first infusion and generally manifests within 2 hours of the infusion. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported.
- KRYSTEXXA should be administered in healthcare settings and by healthcare providers prepared to manage anaphylaxis and infusion reactions.
- Premedicate with antihistamines and corticosteroids and closely monitor for anaphylaxis for an appropriate period after administration of KRYSTEXXA.
- Monitor serum uric acid levels prior to each infusion and discontinue treatment if levels increase to above 6 mg/dL, particularly when 2 consecutive levels above 6 mg/dL are observed.
- Screen patients at risk for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency prior to starting KRYSTEXXA. Hemolysis and methemoglobinemia have been reported with KRYSTEXXA in patients with G6PD deficiency. KRYSTEXXA is contraindicated in patients with G6PD deficiency.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- In patients with G6PD deficiency.
- In patients with history of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to KRYSTEXXA or any of its components.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Gout Flares: An increase in gout flares is frequently observed upon initiation of anti-hyperuricemic therapy, including KRYSTEXXA. Gout flare prophylaxis with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or colchicine is recommended starting at least 1 week before initiation of KRYSTEXXA therapy and lasting at least 6 months, unless medically contraindicated or not tolerated.
Congestive Heart Failure: KRYSTEXXA has not been formally studied in patients with congestive heart failure, but some patients in the pre-marketing placebo-controlled clinical trials experienced exacerbation. Exercise caution in patients who have congestive heart failure and monitor patients closely following infusion.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥5%) are:
- KRYSTEXXA co-administration with methotrexate: gout flares, arthralgia, COVID-19, nausea and fatigue; KRYSTEXXA alone: gout flares, arthralgia, COVID-19, nausea, fatigue, infusion reactions, pain in extremity, hypertension and vomiting.
- KRYSTEXXA pre-marketing placebo-controlled trials: gout flares, infusion reactions, nausea, contusion or ecchymosis, nasopharyngitis, constipation, chest pain, anaphylaxis and vomiting.
Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
About Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD)
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic, systemic, immune-mediated, fibroinflammatory disease which can affect numerous and generally multiple organs of the body. It is a progressive disease affecting new organs over time either consecutively or simultaneously and is characterized by periods of remission and unpredictable disease flares. IgG4-RD can cause irreversible organ damage with or without the presence of symptoms. Awareness of how organ damage manifests is critically important to inform the timely diagnosis of IgG4-RD. B cells are central to the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD. In IgG4-RD, CD19-expressing (CD19+) B cells are thought to drive inflammatory and fibrotic processes and interact with other immune cells that contribute to disease activity.
The incidence is estimated at 1-5 in 100,000 although the number of IgG4-RD patients is difficult to determine based on limited epidemiology data. The typical age of onset of IgG4-RD is between 50 and 70 years old and, unlike many other immune-mediated diseases, IgG4-RD is more likely to occur in men than women.
About UPLIZNA ® (inebilizumab-cdon)
UPLIZNA is a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) that causes targeted and sustained depletion of key cells that contribute to underlying disease process (autoantibody-producing CD19+ B cells, including plasmablasts and some plasma cells). After two initial infusions, patients need one dose of UPLIZNA every six months.
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 and other countries around the world.
UPLIZNA ® (inebilizumab-cdon) U.S. INDICATION
UPLIZNA 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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