Evaluation of Nipocalimab Efficacy and Safety in Adults with Seropositive Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: A Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
- Trial ID
- 2023-504152-97-00
- Protocol
- MOM-M281-011
- Sponsor
- Janssen Cilag International
Trial statistics
Diseases & Conditions
Objectives
The primary objective of this Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is to evaluate the **efficacy** of **nipocalimab** compared to placebo in adults with **generalized myasthenia gravis** (gMG). This will be assessed using the Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scale in seropositive gMG participants when treatment is administered as directed. The clinical relevance of this objective lies in determining the potential of nipocalimab to improve daily living activities in patients with gMG, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of voluntary muscles.
Participants
The clinical trial involves a total of **104 participants** diagnosed with **Generalized Myasthenia Gravis**. The study population includes both male and female subjects, aged 18 years and older, who are not considered part of a vulnerable population. Participants were selected based on their diagnosis of generalized muscle weakness, meeting the clinical criteria for generalized myasthenia gravis as defined by the MGFA Clinical Classification Class II a/b, III a/b, or IV a/b. All participants must have a positive serologic test for a gMG-related pathogenic autoantibody. The trial does not impose specific lifestyle restrictions, but participants are required to maintain stable doses of any herbal, naturopathic, or nutritional supplements they may be using. The study ensures that participants have sufficient venous access for drug administration and blood sampling. Additionally, it is recommended that participants are up to date on all age-appropriate vaccinations, including COVID-19, prior to screening. The selection criteria emphasize the importance of a stable therapy regimen for gMG and the ability to comply with study procedures.
Plans and Procedures
The clinical trial is a **Phase 3**, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of **nipocalimab** in adults with **generalized myasthenia gravis**. The trial involves the administration of nipocalimab, a monoclonal antibody, via intravenous infusion, with a placebo group receiving saline. The study is expected to run from October 2021 to June 2026, with a maximum treatment period of 264 days for each participant.
Participants will undergo a series of study visits, beginning with an inclusion (screening) visit to assess eligibility based on criteria such as age, serologic test results, and current therapy response. Following randomization, participants will receive either nipocalimab or placebo and will be monitored through regular follow-up visits to evaluate changes in the Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scale, with primary endpoints measured over weeks 22 to 24. The end-of-study visit will conclude the participant's involvement, assessing overall outcomes and any adverse effects.
The expected length of participant involvement is approximately 9 months, contingent upon adherence to study protocols and absence of any conditions necessitating early termination, such as adverse reactions or non-compliance. Participants must maintain stable use of any concurrent therapies and adhere to contraceptive guidelines to minimize risks. The study aims to provide comprehensive data on the therapeutic potential of nipocalimab in managing generalized myasthenia gravis, contributing to the understanding of its clinical benefits and safety profile.
Treatment
The clinical trial involves the administration of **nipocalimab**, a monoclonal antibody, under the product code JNJ-80202135. Nipocalimab is provided in two pharmaceutical forms: a **solution for infusion** and a **solution for injection**. The solution for infusion is administered intravenously, with the dosage expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). The maximum treatment period for nipocalimab is 264 days. The active substance, nipocalimab, is a protein of other origin, specifically a human immunoglobulin G1-lambda against the neonatal Fc receptor. The administration schedule and dosage are determined based on the participant's body weight, and compliance is monitored throughout the study.
The study also includes a **placebo** control, which is a saline solution used in accordance with its marketing authorization. The placebo is administered to maintain the double-blind nature of the trial, ensuring that neither the participants nor the investigators know who receives the active treatment or the placebo. The placebo is used to evaluate the efficacy of nipocalimab by comparing outcomes between the treatment and control groups. The administration of the placebo follows the same route and schedule as the active treatment to ensure consistency in the trial protocol.
Efficacy
The efficacy of the investigational drug **nipocalimab** in the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) will be assessed in a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The primary endpoint for evaluating efficacy is the average change from baseline in the Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) total score over Weeks 22, 23, and 24. This endpoint will be measured using the MG-ADL scale, a validated tool for assessing the impact of gMG on daily activities.
Participants will be evaluated at multiple timepoints, including screening, Day 1, and Weeks 22, 23, and 24, to determine changes in their MG-ADL scores. The trial aims to compare the efficacy of **nipocalimab** against a placebo in seropositive gMG participants, ensuring that the treatment is administered as directed. The data collected will be analyzed to determine the average change in MG-ADL scores, providing insights into the drug's efficacy in improving symptoms associated with generalized myasthenia gravis.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: ≥18 years of age at the time of consent, and as applicable, must also meet the legal age of consent in the jurisdiction in which the study is taking place.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: Diagnosis of MG with generalized muscle weakness meeting the clinical criteria for gMG as defined by the MGFA Clinical Classification Class II a/b, III a/b, or IVa/b at screening.(seronegative participants are no longer being recruited to the main study; all participants must have a positive serologic test for a gMG related pathogenic autoantibody (anti-AChR and/or anti-MuSK autoantibodies), confirmed prior to enrollment. Per Amendment 5, gMG participants (anti-AChR positive and antiAChR negative, including anti-MuSK positive, anti-LRP4 positive and seronegative) who have not previously received nipocalimab will be enrolled in SC Cohort 2, with the number of participants enrolled in SC Cohort 2 who are both anti-AChR negative and anti-MuSK negative not exceeding 10% of the total.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: MG-ADL score of ≥6 at screening and baseline.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: Has suboptimal response to current stable therapy for gMG according to the investigator. Stable therapy is defined in the Protocol
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: A participant using herbal, naturopathic, traditional Chinese remedies, ayurvedic or nutritional supplements, or medical marijuana (with a doctor’s prescription) is eligible if the use of these medications is acceptable to the investigator. These remedies must remain at a stable dose and regimen from baseline through the double-blind placebo-controlled phase of the study.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: Participants who have undergone splenectomy (if local regulatory authority has not requested exclusion of participants with splenectomy) must be at least 3 months post resection prior to screening and must be vaccinated as per the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention annual Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older, United States. (https://www.cdc.gov) OR must be vaccinated as per country- or territory-specific guidelines or local regulations.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: Has sufficient venous access to allow drug administration by infusion and blood sampling as per the protocol.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: Is recommended to be up to date on all age-appropriate vaccinations prior to screening as per routine local medical guidelines. It is strongly recommended that participants will have completed a locally-approved (or emergency use-authorized) COVID-19 vaccination regimen at least 2 weeks prior to study-related visits or procedures. Study participants should follow applicable local vaccine labeling, guidelines, and standards-of-care for patients receiving immune-targeted therapy when determining an appropriate interval between vaccination and study enrollment.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: Criterion removed per Amendment 1.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: A woman of childbearing potential must have a negative highly sensitive serum (β-human chorionic gonadotropin [β-hCG]) at Screening and a negative urine pregnancy test at Day 1 prior to administration of study intervention.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: Criterion modified per Amendment 1. 11.1 A woman must be (as defined in Section 10.6, Appendix 6, Contraceptive and Barrier Guidance) a. Not of childbearing potential b. Of childbearing potential and - Practicing a highly effective, preferably user-independent method of contraception (failure rate of <1% per year when used consistently and correctly) and agrees to remain on a highly effective method while receiving study intervention and until 30 days after last dose - the end of relevant systemic exposure. The investigator should evaluate the potential for contraceptive method failure (eg, noncompliance, recently initiated) in relationship to the first dose of study intervention.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: A woman must agree not to donate eggs (ova, oocytes), or freeze for future use for the purposes of assisted reproduction, during the study and for a period of 30 days after the administration of study intervention.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: A male participant must wear a condom when engaging in any activity that allows for passage of ejaculate to another person during the study and for at least 90 days after receiving the last administration of study intervention. In addition, male participants with partners who are a woman of childbearing potential are highly encouraged to inform their partner to use highly effective contraception methods that result in a low failure rate (less than 1% per year).
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: A male participant must agree not to donate sperm for the purpose of reproduction during the study and for a minimum 90 days after receiving the last administration of study intervention.
- RANDOMIZED PHASE: Must sign an ICF indicating that the participant understands the purpose of, and procedures required for, the study and is willing to voluntarily participate in the study and comply with all study procedures.
- RADOMIZED PHASE: Must be able to read and write.
- OLE PHASE: The investigator has confirmed that the participant is not receiving, or has not received since the interruption of the Phase 2 study, any medication that might put the participant at risk when receiving nipocalimab or might interfere with the assessment of the safety of nipocalimab.
- OLE PHASE: Randomized inclusion point 6
- OLE PHASE: Randomized inclusion point 7
- OLE PHASE: Is recommended to be up to date on all age-appropriate vaccinations prior to screening as per routine local medical guidelines. It is strongly recommended to have COVID-19 vaccination at least 2 weeks before the study visits.
- OLE PHASE: Sex and Contraceptive/Barrier Requirements as outlined in Double-blind Placebo-Controlled Phase inclusion criteria # 9, #10, #11, #12, #13, and #14 above.
- OLE PHASE: Randomized inclusion point 15
Exclusion Criteria
- Has a history of severe and/or uncontrolled hepatic (eg, viral/alcoholic/autoimmune hepatitis/cirrhosis and/or metabolic liver disease), gastrointestinal, renal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, psychiatric, neurological musculoskeletal disorder, hypertension, any other medical disorder(s) (eg, diabetes mellitus), or clinically significant abnormalities in screening laboratory, that might interfere with the patient’s full participation in the study, and/or might jeopardize the safety of the participant or the validity of the study results.
- Has any confirmed or suspected clinical immunodeficiency syndrome not related to treatment of his/her gMG, or has a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency unless confirmed absent in the participant.
- Has MGFA Class I disease or presence of MG crisis (MGFA Class V) at screening, history of MG crisis within 1 month of screening, or fixed weakness (and/or ‘burnt out’ MG).
- Is dependent on gastric tube for nutritional needs or is ventilator-dependent.
- Is actively undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for an unresected thymoma/malignant thymoma.
- Has had a thymectomy within 12 months prior to screening, or thymectomy is planned during the study.
- Has current or a history of any neurologic disorder other than MG that might interfere with the accuracy of study assessments.
- Currently has a malignancy or has a history of malignancy within 3 years before screening.
- Has known allergies, hypersensitivity, or intolerance to nipocalimab or its excipients (refer to the IB).
- Has shown a previous severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction, such as anaphylaxis to therapeutic proteins (eg, monoclonal antibodies).
- Has experienced myocardial infarction, unstable ischemic heart disease, or stroke within 12 weeks of screening.
- Is planning to father a child while enrolled in this study or donate sperm within 90 days after the last administration of study intervention.
- Is currently breastfeeding, pregnant, intends to become pregnant during the study, or is planning egg donation during the study or within 30 days after the last dose of study intervention.
- History of moderate or severe substance or alcohol use.
- Is currently taking eculizumab or other novel immune agents, IgG Fc-related protein therapeutics, or Fc-conjugated therapeutic agents, including factor or enzyme replacement.
- Has received, rituximab within 6 months prior to first administration of study intervention. This criterion does not apply to returning Phase 2 participants.
- Has received, or is expected to receive, a live vaccine within 4 weeks prior to screening or has a known need to receive a live vaccine during the study, or within 8 weeks after the last administration of study intervention
- Has received plasmapheresis, immunoadsorption therapy, or IVIg within 6 weeks prior to baseline.
- Has another medical condition that requires oral or parenteral corticosteroids unless the dose has been stable for at least 4 weeks prior to baseline and is expected to remain stable during the study.
- Has another medical condition that requires an immunosuppressive agent unless the medication has been used for at least 6 months, the dose has been stable for at least 3 months prior to baseline and the medication and the dose are expected to remain stable during the study. This criterion does not apply to returning Phase 2 participants.
- Has previously received nipocalimab. This criterion does not apply to returning Phase 2 participants.
- Has received an investigational intervention (including investigational vaccines) within 3 months or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) or used an invasive investigational medical device within 3 months before the planned first dose administration of study intervention
- Has a severe infection including opportunistic infections requiring parenteral anti-infectives and/or hospitalization, and/or is assessed as serious/clinically significant by the investigator, within 8 weeks prior to screening. The participant may be rescreened after the 8-week exclusionary period has passed.
- Has a chronic infection or requires chronic treatment with anti-infectives.
- Tests positive for hepatitis B virus infection.
- Is seropositive for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV), unless they satisfy 1 of the conditions listed in the protocol.
- History of being human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)1 or HIV2 antibody-positive, or tests positive for HIV at screening.
- COVID-19 infection or contact with infected persons as per the protocol.
- Has current suicidal ideation evidenced by a “yes” response to Questions 4 or 5 in the Suicidal Ideation section of the C-SSRS at screening or baseline, or a history of active suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior in the past year prior to screening.
- Had major surgery (eg, requiring general anesthesia) within 3 months before screening, or will not have fully recovered from surgery, or has surgery planned during the time the participant is expected to participate in the study.
- Criterion removed per Amendment 1.
- Is an employee of the investigator or study site.
Trial Status by Country
| Country | Status | Start of Recruitment | Planned Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
Belgium | Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 15 |
Czechia | Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 13 |
Denmark | Not Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 2 |
France | Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 6 |
Germany | Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 3 |
Italy | Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 16 |
Poland | Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 72 |
Spain | Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 18 |
Sweden | Recruiting | 22 Oct 2021 | 4 |
Sites & Investigators
Investigational Products
Details about the medicinal products being studied in this clinical trial.
| Product Name | Role in Trial | Formulation | Administration | Max Daily Dose | Treatment Duration | EU MP Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JNJ-80202135 | Test | SOLUTION FOR INFUSION | INTRAVENOUS USE | 0 | 264 | PRD9995561 |
JNJ-80202135 | Test | SOLUTION FOR INFUSION | SUBCUTANEOUS | 0 | 8 | PRD13499300 |
JNJ-80202135 | Test | SOLUTION FOR INJECTION | INTRAVENOUS USE | 0 | 264 | PRD10565805 |
Saline (placebo) is being used in accordance with the terms of its marketing authorization. | Placebo | N/A | — | — | — | N/A |









