Horizon Therapeutics plc Announces UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon) Data in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) to be Presented at the 2023 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting

Rhea-AI Summary

Horizon Therapeutics (Nasdaq: HZNP) announced the presentation of multiple analyses of UPLIZNA, its anti-CD19 B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody, at the 2023 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Boston, from April 22-27. UPLIZNA is FDA-approved for treating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G positive. Key presentations will include an oral session on the relationship between B-cell subsets and NMOSD attacks slated for April 23 at 1:48 p.m. EDT, and key safety and efficacy studies presented in poster sessions on April 27. The data aims to enhance understanding of NMOSD mechanisms and improve patient outcomes.

Positive

• UPLIZNA is the first anti-CD19 B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody approved for NMOSD treatment.
• Data presentations at the AAN meeting enhance visibility and credibility in the neurology field.
• Potentially improved patient outcomes through targeted therapies based on B-cell subset analysis.

Negative

• NMOSD is a rare and severe disease which may limit market size for UPLIZNA.
• Risks associated with UPLIZNA include severe infusion reactions and increased infection susceptibility.

 -- Oral presentation on the relationship between B-cell subsets and NMOSD attacks to be held on April 23 at 1:48 p.m. EDT --

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) today announced that multiple UPLIZNA analyses will be presented at the 2023 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, April 22-27 in Boston. UPLIZNA is the first and only anti-CD19 B-cell-depleting humanized monoclonal antibody approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Commission (EC) and Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) for the treatment of NMOSD in adults who are anti-aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G seropositive (AQP4-IgG+).

Presentation Details:

• S5.005: Association of B Cell Subsets and Aquaporin-4 Antibody Titers with Disease Activity in Participants in the N-MOmentum Trial Receiving Inebilizumab Treatment (S. Pittock)
  • Scientific Session: 5
  • Date: April 23, 1:48 p.m. EDT
• P13.003: Safety and Efficacy of Inebilizumab in AQP4+ NMOSD Participants with History of Immunosuppression Treatment prior to N-MOmentum Study (F. Paul)
  • Poster Session: 13
  • Date: April 27, 8-9 a.m. EDT
• P13.015: Inebilizumab Reduces Attack Risk Independent of Low Affinity IgG Fc Region Receptor III-A Gene Polymorphisms in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (B. Weinshenker)
  • Poster Session: 13
  • Date: April 27, 8-9 a.m. EDT

“We look forward to being a part of the scientific exchange and interacting with leaders in neurology at AAN,” said Mandeep Kaur, M.D., M.S., senior vice president, global medical affairs and outcomes research, Horizon. “Of note, the oral presentation of data on B-cell subsets and aquaporin-4 antibody titers will shine a light on the role of plasmablasts and plasma cells in NMOSD attacks, and in turn, how targeting these cells with treatment may help prevent attacks. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of this devastating disease will continue to enhance our ability to improve patient outcomes.”

About Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

NMOSD is a unifying term for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and related syndromes. NMOSD is a rare, severe, relapsing, neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease that attacks the optic nerve, spinal cord, brain and brain stem.^1,2 Approximately 80% of all patients with NMOSD test positive for anti-AQP4 antibodies.³ AQP4-IgG binds primarily to astrocytes in the central nervous system and triggers an escalating immune response that results in lesion formation and astrocyte death.⁴

Anti-AQP4 autoantibodies are produced by plasmablasts and some plasma cells. These B-cell populations are central to NMOSD disease pathogenesis, and a large proportion of these cells express CD19.⁵ Depletion of these CD19+ B cells is thought to remove an important contributor to inflammation, lesion formation and astrocyte damage. Clinically, this damage presents as an NMOSD attack, which can involve the optic nerve, spinal cord and brain.^4,6 Loss of vision, paralysis, loss of sensation, bladder and bowel dysfunction, nerve pain and respiratory failure can all be manifestations of the disease.⁷ Each NMOSD attack can lead to further cumulative damage and disability.^8,9 NMOSD occurs more commonly in women and may be more common in individuals of African and Asian descent.^10,11

About UPLIZNA

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 Horizon

Horizon is a global biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases. Our pipeline is purposeful: We apply scientific expertise and courage to bring clinically meaningful therapies to patients. We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives. For more information on how we go to incredible lengths to impact lives, visit www.horizontherapeutics.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the potential benefits of UPLIZNA and targeting of plasmablasts and plasma cells to treat NMOSD. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and actual results may differ materially from those in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks regarding whether future data analyses or clinical evidence will be consistent with prior analyses or Horizon’s expectations. For a further description of these and other risks facing Horizon, please see the risk factors described in Horizon’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in those filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Horizon undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.

References

1. Ajmera MR, Boscoe A, Mauskopf J, Candrilli SD, Levy M. Evaluation of comorbidities and health care resource use among patients with highly active neuromyelitis optica. J Neurol Sci. 2018;384:96-103.
2. What is NMO? Accessed April 15, 2021. Guthyjacksonfoundation.org.
   www.guthyjacksonfoundation.org/neuromyelitis-optica-nmo/
3. What We Know About NMO. Accessed Aug. 2, 2022. Sumairafoundation.org.
   https://www.sumairafoundation.org/what-to-know-about-nmo/
4. Liu Y, et al. A tract-based diffusion study of cerebral white matter in neuromyelitis optica reveals widespread pathological alterations. Mult Scler. 2011;18(7):1013-1021.
5. Chihara N, et al. Interleukin 6 signaling promotes anti-aquaporin-4 autoantibody production from plasmablasts in neuromyelitis optica. PNAS. 2011;108(9):3701-3706.
6. Duan T, Smith AJ, Verkamn AS. Complement-independent bystander injury in AQP4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica produced by antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Acta Neuropathologica Comm. 2019;7(112).
7. Beekman J, et al. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: patient experience and quality of life. Neural Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2019;6(4):e580.
8. Kimbrough DJ, et al. Treatment of neuromyelitis optica: review and recommendations. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2012;1(4):180-187.
9. Baranello RJ, Avasarala, JR. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with and without aquaporin 4 antibody: Characterization, differential diagnosis, and recent advances. J Neuro Ther. 2015;1(1):9-14.
10. Wingerchuk DM. Neuromyelitis optica: effect of gender. J Neurol Sci. 2009;286(1-2):18-23.
11. Flanagan EP, et al. Epidemiology of aquaporin-4 autoimmunity and neuromyelitis optica spectrum. Ann Neurol. 2016;79(5):775-783.

 

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Source: Horizon Therapeutics plc

FAQ

What is the significance of the upcoming presentations at the AAN Annual Meeting for HZNP?

The presentations signify Horizon's commitment to advancing research in NMOSD and enhancing the understanding of UPLIZNA's effectiveness.

When will the oral presentation on B-cell subsets and NMOSD take place?

The oral presentation will occur on April 23 at 1:48 p.m. EDT.

What is UPLIZNA used for?

UPLIZNA is approved for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in adults who are anti-aquaporin-4 antibody positive.

How does UPLIZNA work in treating NMOSD?

UPLIZNA targets and depletes CD19+ B cells, which are central to the inflammatory process in NMOSD.

What are the key concerns regarding UPLIZNA's safety?

Key concerns include the risk of severe infusion reactions and potential increased susceptibility to infections.