Novartis ofatumumab demonstrates superiority versus Aubagio® in two head-to-head Phase III multiple sclerosis studies

In ASCLEPIOS I and II, ofatumumab (OMB157) met primary endpoints to reduce the annualized relapse rate over Aubagio®* (teriflunomide) in patients with relapsing forms of MS (RMS)[1]

Basel, August 30, 2019 – Novartis, a global leader in neuroscience, today announced positive results for #ofatumumab (OMB157) from the Phase III ASCLEPIOS I and II studies. In both head-to-head studies, ofatumumab demonstrated superiority over Aubagio®* (teriflunomide) in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS)[1]. The ASCLEPIOS studies investigated the efficacy and safety of monthly subcutaneous ofatumumab 20mg versus once daily oral Aubagio® 14mg in adults with RMS[2],[3].

Both studies met the primary endpoints where ofatumumab showed a highly significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the number of confirmed relapses, evaluated as the annualized relapse rate (ARR)[1]. Key secondary endpoints of delaying time to confirmed disability progression were also met[1]. The top line results of the Phase III ASCLEPIOS studies will be presented at the 35th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), taking place September 11–13, 2019, in Stockholm, Sweden. Overall ofatumumab, a potent, fully-human antibody targeting CD20 positive B-cells, delivered sustained efficacy with a favorable safety profile[1]. The safety profile of ofatumumab as seen in the ASCLEPIOS studies is in line with the observations from Phase II results[1],[4]. Novartis plans to initiate submissions to health authorities by end of 2019.

Continue Reading