Ultomiris recommended for approval in the EU by CHMP for the treatment of adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
Ultomiris (ravulizumab) has been recommended for marketing authorisation in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adult patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive (Ab+). If authorised, Ultomiris would be the first and only approved long-acting C5 complement inhibitor for the treatment of AQP4 Ab+ NMOSD in the EU.
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency based its positive opinion on results from the CHAMPION-NMOSD Phase III trial.1 In the CHAMPION-NMOSD trial, Ultomiris was compared to an external placebo arm from the pivotal Soliris PREVENT clinical trial.
Ultomiris met the primary endpoint of time to first on-trial relapse as confirmed by an independent adjudication committee. Notably, data showed zero relapses were observed among Ultomiris patients with a median treatment duration of 73 weeks (relapse risk reduction: 98.6%, hazard ratio (95% CI): 0.014 (0.000, 0.103), p<0.0001), and continuing through a median duration of 90 weeks.1
NMOSD is a rare and debilitating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), including the spine and optic nerves.2-4 Most people living with NMOSD experience unpredictable relapses, characterised by a new onset of neurologic symptoms or worsening of existing neurologic symptoms, which tend to be severe and recurrent and may result in permanent disability.5-7 The diagnosed prevalence of adults with NMOSD in the EU is estimated at approximately 6,000.8,9
Orhan Aktas, MD, Professor at the Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany, said: “Even one NMOSD relapse can lead to devastating long-term effects like vision loss, chronic pain and paralysis, which underscores the need for treatment innovations that help prevent relapses and optimise disease management. The sustained relapse risk reduction observed in the CHAMPION-NMOSDPhase III trial supports the critical role this long-acting C5 complement inhibitor may have for the NMOSD community.”
Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer, Alexion, said: “Today’s positive opinion advances our commitment to transform outcomes for patients with rare neurological diseases and reflects the exceptional efficacy of C5 inhibition in reducing the risk of life-altering relapses in NMOSD. For patients with AQP4 Ab+ NMOSD, Ultomiris, the first and only long-acting C5 complement inhibitor, may have the potential to eliminate relapses, while also offering a convenient treatment schedule of infusions every eight weeks. We look forward to the European Commission decision as we work to make Ultomiris available to people living with NMOSD in the EU and around the world.”
Overall, the safety and tolerability of Ultomiris were consistent with previous clinical studies and real-world use. No new safety signals were observed. The most common adverse events (AEs) were COVID-19, headache, back pain, arthralgia and urinary tract infection. All cases of COVID-19 were non-serious and considered to be unrelated to Ultomiris.1
Regulatory submissions for Ultomiris for the treatment of NMOSD are also currently under review with multiple health authorities, including in the United States (US) and Japan.
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