Cold Agglutinin Disease

New compelling results demonstrate 18 months of both sustained reduction in immunoglobulin G antibodies and sustained improvement in gMG symptoms in pivotal Vivacity-MG3 study and open-label extension phase Up to 128 weeks and 180 patient years of follow-up in the open-label extensiona confirm a safety profile consistent with the Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study 45% of the patients receiving steroids at open-label extension baseline were able to decrease or discontinue their steroid use Additionally, the nipocalimab plus standard of care (SOC) group demonstrated four times greater odds of improving and maintaining the strength and function of different muscle groups as measured by QMGb response versus placebo plus SOC in the 24-week double blind phase of the study SPRING HOUSE, Pa., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced results from additional analyses of the Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 double-blind study and the ongoing open-label extensiona (OLE), evaluating the long-term efficacy and safety of investigational nipocalimab in a broad population of antibody-positive (anti-AChR+, anti-MuSK+, anti-LRP4+) adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).1,2 Patients treated with nipocalimab plus standard of care (SOC) maintained improvements in their MG-ADLc and QMGb scores over 84 weeks with sustained reductions in total immunoglobulin G (IgG).1 These data are included in a presentation (Session 7 #022) and are among 12 abstracts that Johnson & Johnson will present at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2025 Meeting in San Diego, California, which includes an oral presentation on QMG score improvements from the double-blind phase of the Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study. "The sustained disease control seen over 84 weeks for nipocalimab is a key result given the chronic course of generalized MG and the significant burden on people living with this condition," said Constantine Farmakidis M.D., Associate Professor of Neurology at University of Kansas Medical Centerd. "Overall, I am encouraged by these results that show improvement in disease control as measured by the MG-ADL and QMG scores across a broad population seropositive for AChR, MuSK, or LRP4 autoantibodies." Nipocalimab demonstrated a mean change in MG-ADL of -5.64 (p<0.001) from the double-blind baseline after 60 weeks in the OLE for study participants receiving nipocalimab and SOC, and -6.01 (p<0.001) mean change for study participants who transitioned from placebo and SOC to nipocalimab and SOC.1 In the antibody-positive population, 45% of patients receiving steroids at the OLE baseline were able to decrease or discontinue steroids at the time of this data cut by more than half of the baseline dose.1 Among these patients, the mean dose of prednisone decreased from 23 to 10 mg per day.1 Nipocalimab had a consistent and tolerable safety profile throughout the OLE phase.1 Additional findings from the Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 double-blind study indicate that patients treated with nipocalimab plus SOC achieved statistically significant improvements in their QMG score by -4.9 versus placebo plus SOC (p<0.001) over weeks 22 and 24.2 Patients in the nipocalimab plus SOC treatment group were four times more likely to sustain symptom improvement at 20 weeks compared to the placebo plus SOC group, as measured by a three or greater point improvement on the QMG score.2 Results show significantly more patients treated with nipocalimab (36.4%,) versus placebo (10.5%, p<0.001) spent greater than 75% of study duration demonstrating improvements in the QMG score.2 A reduction of more than three points in the QMG score indicates a decrease in the severity of the patient's symptoms as a result of improvements in muscle strength, allowing patients to carry out important daily activities such as swallowing and chewing.3,4 "People living with generalized MG around the world endure daily challenges, such as difficulties swallowing, impaired speech and muscle weakness. They deserve additional, effective treatment options that help address these challenges and provide sustained disease control and stability over time," said Katie Abouzahr, M.D., Vice President, Autoantibody Portfolio and Maternal Fetal Immunology Disease Area Leader, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "These positive data underscore our commitment to helping develop potential innovative therapeutic options for patients living with autoantibody diseases, including gMG." Editor's notes: ABOUT GENERALIZED MYASTHENIA GRAVIS (gMG) Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody disease in which the immune system mistakenly makes antibodies (e.g., anti-acetylcholine receptor [AChR], anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase [MuSK] or anti-low density lipoprotein-related protein 4 [LRP4]), which target proteins at the neuromuscular junction, and can block or disrupt normal signaling from nerves to muscles, thus impairing or preventing muscle contraction.5,6,7 The disease impacts an estimated 700,000 people worldwide.5 The disease affects both men and women and occurs across all ages, racial and ethnic groups, but most frequently starts in young women and older men.8 Roughly 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with MG are women, and about one in five of those women are of child-bearing potential.9,10,11 Approximately 10 to 15% of new cases of MG are diagnosed in adolescents (12 – 17 years of age).12,13,14 Among juvenile MG patients, girls are affected more often than boys with over 65% of pediatric MG cases in the U.S. diagnosed in girls.15,16,17 Initial disease manifestations are usually ocular, but 85 percent of MG patients experience additional advancements to the disease manifestations – referred to as generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). This is characterized by severe muscle weakness of the skeletal muscles and difficulties in speech and swallowing.18,19,20,21,22 Approximately 100,000 individuals in the U.S. are living with gMG.23 Vulnerable gMG populations, such as pediatric patients, have more limited therapeutic options.24 Currently, SOC treatments for adolescents with gMG are extrapolated from adult trials.14 Other than symptomatic treatments, there are no approved FcRn blockers for adolescents with gMG in the United States.14 ABOUT THE PHASE 3 VIVACITY-MG3 STUDY The Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study (NCT04951622) was specifically designed to measure sustained efficacy and safety with consistent dosing in this unpredictable chronic condition where unmet need remains high. Antibody positive or negative adult gMG patients with insufficient response (MG-ADL ≥6) to ongoing SOC therapy were identified and 199 patients, 153 of whom were antibody positive, enrolled in the 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial.25,26 Randomization was 1:1, nipocalimab plus current SOC (30 mg/kg IV loading dose followed by 15 mg/kg every two weeks) or placebo plus current SOC.25 Baseline demographics were balanced across arms (77 nipocalimab, 76 placebo).25 The primary endpoint of the study was mean change in MG-ADLb score from baseline over Weeks 22, 23 and 24 in antibody positive patients. A key secondary endpoint included change in QMG score. Long-term safety and efficacy were further assessed in an ongoing open-label extension (OLE) phase.26 ABOUT NIPOCALIMAB Nipocalimab is an investigational monoclonal antibody, designed to bind with high affinity to block FcRn and reduce levels of circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies potentially without impact on other immune functions. This includes autoantibodies and alloantibodies that underlie multiple conditions across three key segments in the autoantibody space including Rare Autoantibody diseases, Maternal Fetal diseases mediated by maternal alloantibodies and Rheumatic diseases.26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34 Blockade of IgG binding to FcRn in the placenta is also believed to limit transplacental transfer of maternal alloantibodies to the fetus.35,36 The U.S. FDA and EMA have granted several key designations to nipocalimab including: U.S. FDA Fast Track designation in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) in July 2019, gMG in December 2021 and fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in March 2024 and Sjögren's disease (SjD) in March 2025 U.S. FDA Orphan drug status for wAIHA in December 2019, HDFN in June 2020, gMG in February 2021, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in October 2021 and FNAIT in December 2023 U.S. FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for HDFN in February 2024 and for Sjögren's disease in November 2024 U.S. FDA granted Priority Review in gMG in Q4 2024 EU EMA Orphan medicinal product designation for HDFN in October 2019 ABOUT JOHNSON & JOHNSON At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at or at Follow us at @JNJInnovMed. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are Johnson & Johnson companies. CAUTIONS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of nipocalimab. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at , or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc. nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. 1 Antozzi, C et al., Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Nipocalimab in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Vivacity-MG3 Open-Label Extension Phase Results. Abstract #022 for poster presentation at 2025 American Academy of Neurology Congress. April 2025. 2 Nowak R et al., Efficacy of Nipocalimab, a Novel Neonatal Fragment Crystallizable Receptor Blocker, as Measured using Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Assessment: Findings from the Phase 3 Placebo-Controlled Vivacity-MG3 Study. Abstract #001 for oral presentation at 2025 American Academy of Neurology Congress. April 2025. 3 Wolfe GI Myasthenia gravis activities of daily living profile. Neurology. 1999;22;52(7):1487-9. doi: 10.1212/wnl.52.7.1487. 4 Yin J, et al. A multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 2 clinical study of telitacicept in adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol. 2024 Aug;31(8):e16322. doi: 10.1111/ene.16322. 5 Chen J, Tian D-C, Zhang C, et al. Incidence, mortality, and economic burden of myasthenia gravis in China: A nationwide population-based study. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific. 2020;5(100063). . 6 Bacci ED et al. Understanding side effects of therapy for myasthenia gravis and their impact on daily life. BMC Neurol. 2019;19(1):335. 7 Wiendl, H., et al., Guideline for the management of myasthenic syndromes. Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 16, 17562864231213240. . Last accessed: April 2025. 8 Bubuioc A, et al. The epidemiology of myasthenia gravis. Journal of Medicine & Life (2021). Jan-Mar;14(1):7-16. doi: 10.25122/jml-2020-0145. 9 Ye, Yun et al. Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the United States. Frontiers in neurology vol. 15 1339167. 16 Feb. 2024, doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1339167. 10 Dresser, Laura et al. Myasthenia Gravis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations. Journal of clinical medicine vol. 10,11 2235. 21 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/jcm10112235. 11 J&J. Data on file. 12 Evoli A, Batocchi AP, Bartoccioni E, Lino MM, Minisci C, Tonali P. Juvenile myasthenia gravis with prepubertal onset. Neuromuscul Disord. 1998 Dec;8(8):561-7. doi: 10.1016/s0960-8966(98)00077-7. 13 Evoli A. Acquired myasthenia gravis in childhood. Curr Opin Neurol. 2010 Oct;23(5):536-40. doi: 10.1097/WCO.0b013e32833c32af. 14 Finnis MF, Jayawant S. Juvenile myasthenia gravis: a paediatric perspective. Autoimmune Dis. 2011;2011:404101. doi: 10.4061/2011/404101. 15 Haliloglu G, Anlar B, Aysun S, Topcu M, Topaloglu H, Turanli G, Yalnizoglu D. Gender prevalence in childhood multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. J Child Neurol. 2002 May;17(5):390-2. doi: 10.1177/088307380201700516. 16 Parr JR, Andrew MJ, Finnis M, Beeson D, Vincent A, Jayawant S. How common is childhood myasthenia? The UK incidence and prevalence of autoimmune and congenital myasthenia. Arch Dis Child. 2014 Jun;99(6):539-42. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-304788. 17 Mansukhani SA, Bothun ED, Diehl NN, Mohney BG. Incidence and Ocular Features of Pediatric Myasthenias. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019 Apr;200:242-249. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2019.01.004. 18 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke. Myasthenia Gravis. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 19 Bever, C.T., Jr, Aquino, A.V., Penn, A.S., Lovelace, R.E. and Rowland, L.P. (1983), Prognosis of ocular myasthenia. Ann Neurol., 14: 516-519. . 20 Kupersmith MJ, Latkany R, Homel P. Development of generalized disease at 2 years in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis. Arch Neurol. 2003 Feb;60(2):243-8. doi: 10.1001/archneur.60.2.243. PMID: 12580710. 21 Myasthenia gravis fact sheet. Retrieved April 2024 from . 22 Myasthenia Gravis: Treatment & Symptoms. (2021, April 7). Retrieved April 2024 from . 23 DRG EPI (2021) & Optum Claims Analysis Jan 2012-December 2020. 24 O'Connell K, Ramdas S, Palace J. Management of Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol. 2020 Jul 24;11:743. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00743. PMID: 32793107; PMCID: PMC7393473. 25 Antozzi, C et al., Nipocalimab in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Results from a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase 3 Study. Abstract at 2024 European Academy of Neurology Congress. June 2024. 26 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04951622. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 27 ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03842189. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 28 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05327114. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 29 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04119050. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 30 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05379634. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 31 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05912517. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 32 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06028438. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 33 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04968912. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 34 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04882878. Available at: . Last accessed: April 2025. 35 Lobato G, Soncini CS. Relationship between obstetric history and Rh(D) alloimmunization severity. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2008 Mar;277(3):245-8. DOI: 10.1007/s00404-007-0446-x. 36 Roy S, Nanovskaya T, Patrikeeva S, et al. M281, an anti-FcRn antibody, inhibits IgG transfer in a human ex vivo placental perfusion model. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;220(5):498 e491-498 e499. SOURCE Johnson & Johnson WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

Oral presentation features new data from the 24-week pivotal Vivacity-MG3 study which show sustained disease control through treatment with nipocalimab on the clinician-assessed QMGa score in antibody positive adult patients: anti-AChR+, anti-MuSK+, anti-LRP4+ Nipocalimab data demonstrate longer-term sustained disease control as measured by MG-ADLb and QMG scores from the ongoing open-label extension (OLE) of the Vivacity-MG3 study Johnson & Johnson filed a Biologics License Application (BLA) for nipocalimab in August 2024 and was granted U.S. FDA Priority Review for the treatment of gMG Real-world studies highlight the unmet need of patients living with gMG, including those who are pregnant or receiving steroids SPRING HOUSE, Pa., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today that 12 abstracts, including two oral presentations, highlighting the Company's innovative autoantibody disease research and the potential of nipocalimab to provide long-term sustained disease control in the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), will be presented at the 2025 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting from April 5 – 9 in San Diego, California. Oral and poster presentations include data from the pivotal Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study of nipocalimab in gMG, which was included in the U.S. Biologics License Application (BLA) for nipocalimab: Data evaluating nipocalimab using the clinician-administered QMGa assessment score demonstrated significant improvement in muscle strength. (Oral #001) Results from the ongoing open-label extension (OLE) study evaluating long-term efficacy and safety of nipocalimab show sustained disease control with nipocalimab in a broad population of antibody-positive gMG adult patients. (Poster #11-022) Real-world evidence and unmet needs in myasthenia gravis (MG) treatment Real-world data showcases the unmet needs in treating gMG during pregnancy, and an urgency for further research on treatment options for women with MG who might become pregnant. (Oral #005) Nipocalimab continues to be the only investigational treatment with both published data and ongoing Phase 3 studies in pregnant women at risk of alloantibody conditions of pregnancy, including hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), and fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT).1,2,3 Poster presentations highlight data from two studies examining the association of oral corticosteroid (OCS) exposure in MG, emphasizing the need for additional targeted treatment options with demonstrated safety profiles to minimize the well-known risks of oral corticosteroids. (Posters #11-029 and #8-007) Findings from a real-world study of MG serostatus testing show variation in MG antibody testing in current clinical practice, uncovering infrequent MuSK and LRP4 testing among antibody negative patients. The study found a socioeconomic correlation to lack of further diagnostic testing which highlights an opportunity in care and can inform more targeted treatment plans. (Poster #11-030) Patient-reported data & disease burden: A poster presentation will showcase patient-reported insights on factors contributing to MG exacerbations and symptom worsening (Poster #11-010): Findings suggest that many individuals currently living with MG in the U.S. reported uncontrolled disease. Important risk factors identified for exacerbation or symptom worsening included living alone, generalized MG symptomology, and comorbid anxiety/depression. Findings suggest that many individuals currently living with MG in the U.S. reported uncontrolled disease. Important risk factors identified for exacerbation or symptom worsening included living alone, generalized MG symptomology, and comorbid anxiety/depression. These findings underscore the ongoing need for additional approved immunoselective therapies that are effective with demonstrated safety profiles for people living with gMG. "We're excited to share our latest research in gMG, reinforcing our commitment to advancing innovation in the autoantibody disease space. These presentations highlight our dedication to helping address critical unmet needs and improving outcomes for a broad population of patients through our pathway-based approach to research and development," said Katie Abouzahr, M.D., Vice President, Autoantibody and Maternal Fetal Immunology Disease Area Leader, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "We look forward to engaging with the medical and patient community at AAN and continuing important scientific exchange that drive progress in patient care." The full list of accepted Johnson & Johnson abstracts is below. Data presentation highlights: AAN – April 5-9 Presenter/Presentation Time (PT) Poster Number Abstract Name Oral Session Session 34 #001 Date: Wednesday, April 9 Presentation Time: 1:00 PM Ph3 VIVACITY QMG: Efficacy of Nipocalimab, a Novel Neonatal Fragment Crystallizable Receptor Blocker, as Measured Using Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Assessment: Findings from the Phase 3 Placebo-controlled Vivacity-MG3 Study Session 34 #005 Date: Wednesday, April 9 Presentation Time: 1:48 PM Komodo: Real-world Interaction between Pregnancy and Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Poster Session Session 7 #11-022 Date: Monday, April 7 Session Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Ph3 VIVACITY OLE: Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Nipocalimab in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Vivacity-MG3 Open-Label Extension Phase Results Session 6 #11-027 Date: Monday, April 7 Session Time: 11:45 AM –12:45 PM Komodo: Real-world Treatment Patterns Among Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Session 9 #11-034 Date: Tuesday, April 8 Presentation Time: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM HCRU: Economic Burden of Myasthenia Gravis Exacerbation and Crisis from US Payer Perspective Session 7 #11-029 Date: Monday, April 7 Presentation Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM OCS SWIMM: Long-term Use of Oral Corticosteroids and Overall Survival Among Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Nationwide Population-based Study Session 1 #11-010 Date: Saturday, April 5 Presentation Time: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM MGFA Patient Registry: Identifying Risk Factors for Exacerbation and Symptom Worsening—a Retrospective Cohort Study of Patients with Myasthenia Gravis in the United States Session 8 #11-032 Date: Tuesday, April 8 Presentation Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Measures that Matter: Design of a Digital Solution to Improve Myasthenia Gravis Patient Symptom Tracking in Routine Clinical Care Session 6 #11-030 Date: Monday, April 7 Presentation Time: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM Health Analytics: Serostatus Testing Patterns Among Individuals with Myasthenia Gravis: Implications for Patient Care Session 1 #11-022 Date: Saturday, April 5 Presentation Time: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM ADELPHI DSP 2: Treatment-related Characteristics Among Younger Women with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Session 4 #8-007 Date: Sunday, April 6 Presentation Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Optum: Complications in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis Treated with Oral Corticosteroids Session 4 #8-001 Date: Sunday, April 6 Presentation Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Optum: Healthcare Costs in a Commercially Insured Population of Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis and Related Clinical Events Editor's notes: a. QMG (Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis) is a 13-item assessment by a clinician that quantifies MG disease severity. The total QMG score ranges from 0 to 39, where higher scores indicated greater disease severity. b. MG-ADL (Myasthenia Gravis – Activities of Daily Living) provides a rapid clinical assessment of the patient's recall of symptoms impacting activities of daily living, with a total score range of 0 to 24; a higher score indicates greater symptom severity. ABOUT GENERALIZED MYASTHENIA GRAVIS (gMG) Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody disease in which the immune system mistakenly makes antibodies (e.g., anti-acetylcholine receptor [AChR], anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase [MuSK] or anti-low density lipoprotein-related protein 4 [LRP4]), which target proteins at the neuromuscular junction and can block or disrupt normal signaling from nerves to muscles, thus impairing or preventing muscle contraction.4,5,6 The disease impacts an estimated 700,000 people worldwide.4 The disease affects both men and women and occurs across all ages, racial and ethnic groups, but most frequently starts in young women and older men.7 Roughly 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with MG are women, and about one in five of those women are of child-bearing potential.8,9,10Approximately 10 to 15% of new cases of MG are diagnosed in adolescents (12 – 17 years of age).11,12,13 Among juvenile MG patients, girls are affected more often than boys with over 65% of pediatric MG cases in the U.S. diagnosed in girls.14,15,16 Initial disease manifestations are usually ocular but approximately 85 percent of MG patients experience additional advancements to the disease manifestations—referred to as generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). This is characterized by severe muscle weakness and difficulties in speech and swallowing.17,18,19,20,21 Approximately 100,000 individuals in the U.S. are living with gMG.22 Vulnerable gMG populations, such as pediatric patients, have more limited therapeutic options.23 Currently, SOC treatments for adolescents with gMG are extrapolated from adult trials.13 Other than symptomatic treatments, there are no approved FcRn blockers for adolescents with gMG in the United States.13 ABOUT THE PHASE 3 VIVACITY-MG3 STUDY The Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study (NCT04951622) was specifically designed to measure sustained efficacy and safety with consistent dosing in this unpredictable chronic condition where unmet need remains high. Antibody positive or negative adult gMG patients with insufficient response (MG-ADL ≥6) to ongoing SOC therapy were identified and 199 patients, 153 of whom were antibody positive, enrolled in the 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial.24,25 Randomization was 1:1, nipocalimab plus current SOC (30 mg/kg IV loading dose followed by 15 mg/kg every two weeks) or placebo plus current SOC.24 Baseline demographics were balanced across arms (77 nipocalimab, 76 placebo).24 The primary endpoint of the study was mean change in MG-ADLb score from baseline over Weeks 22, 23 and 24 in antibody positive patients. A key secondary endpoint included change in QMG score. Long-term safety and efficacy were further assessed in an ongoing open-label extension (OLE) phase.25 ABOUT NIPOCALIMAB Nipocalimab is an investigational monoclonal antibody, designed to bind with high affinity to block FcRn and reduce levels of circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies potentially without impact on other immune functions. This includes autoantibodies and alloantibodies that underlie multiple conditions across three key segments in the autoantibody space including Rare Autoantibody diseases, Maternal Fetal diseases mediated by maternal alloantibodies and Rheumatic diseases.3,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32 Blockade of IgG binding to FcRn in the placenta is also believed to limit transplacental transfer of maternal alloantibodies to the fetus.33,34 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have granted several key designations to nipocalimab including: U.S. FDA Fast Track designation in HDFN and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) in July 2019, gMG in December 2021, FNAIT in March 2024 and Sjögren's disease (SjD) in March 2025 U.S. FDA Orphan drug status for wAIHA in December 2019, HDFN in June 2020, gMG in February 2021, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in October 2021 and FNAIT in December 2023 U.S. FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for HDFN in February 2024 and for Sjögren's disease in November 2024 U.S. FDA granted Priority Review in gMG in Q4 2024 EU EMA Orphan medicinal product designation for HDFN in October 2019 ABOUT JOHNSON & JOHNSON At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at https://innovativemedicine.jnj.com/ Follow us at @JNJInnovMed. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are Johnson & Johnson companies. CAUTIONS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of nipocalimab. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc. nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. REFERENCES 1 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06449651. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06449651?cond=FNAIT&rank=22 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06533098. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06533098, Last accessed March 20253 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05912517. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05912517. Last accessed: March 2025.4 Chen J, Tian D-C, Zhang C, et al. Incidence, mortality, and economic burden of myasthenia gravis in China: A nationwide population-based study. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific. 2020;5(100063). https://doi-org.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2020.100063.5 Bacci ED et al. Understanding side effects of therapy for myasthenia gravis and their impact on daily life. BMC Neurol. 2019;19(1):335.6 Wiendl, H., et al., Guideline for the management of myasthenic syndromes. Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 16, 17562864231213240. https://doi-org.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/10.1177/17562864231213240. Last accessed: March 2025.7 Bubuioc A, et al. The epidemiology of myasthenia gravis. Journal of Medicine & Life (2021). Jan-Mar;14(1):7-16. doi: 10.25122/jml-2020-01458 Ye, Yun et al. Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the United States. Frontiers in neurology vol. 15 1339167. 16 Feb. 2024, doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.13391679 Dresser, Laura et al. Myasthenia Gravis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations. Journal of clinical medicine vol. 10,11 2235. 21 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/jcm10112235.10 J&J. Data on file11 Evoli A, Batocchi AP, Bartoccioni E, Lino MM, Minisci C, Tonali P. Juvenile myasthenia gravis with prepubertal onset. Neuromuscul Disord. 1998 Dec;8(8):561-7. doi: 10.1016/s0960-8966(98)00077-7.12 Evoli A. Acquired myasthenia gravis in childhood. Curr Opin Neurol. 2010 Oct;23(5):536-40. doi: 10.1097/WCO.0b013e32833c32af.13 Finnis MF, Jayawant S. Juvenile myasthenia gravis: a paediatric perspective. Autoimmune Dis. 2011;2011:404101. doi: 10.4061/2011/404101.14 Haliloglu G, Anlar B, Aysun S, Topcu M, Topaloglu H, Turanli G, Yalnizoglu D. Gender prevalence in childhood multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. J Child Neurol. 2002 May;17(5):390-2. doi: 10.1177/088307380201700516.15 Parr JR, Andrew MJ, Finnis M, Beeson D, Vincent A, Jayawant S. How common is childhood myasthenia? The UK incidence and prevalence of autoimmune and congenital myasthenia. Arch Dis Child. 2014 Jun;99(6):539-42. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-304788.16 Mansukhani SA, Bothun ED, Diehl NN, Mohney BG. Incidence and Ocular Features of Pediatric Myasthenias. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019 Apr;200:242-249. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2019.01.004.17 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke. Myasthenia Gravis. Available at: https://www-ninds-nih-gov.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/health-information/disorders/myasthenia-gravis. Last accessed: March 2025.18 Bever, C.T., Jr, Aquino, A.V., Penn, A.S., Lovelace, R.E. and Rowland, L.P. (1983), Prognosis of ocular myasthenia. Ann Neurol., 14: 516-519. https://doi-org.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/10.1002/ana.41014050419 Kupersmith MJ, Latkany R, Homel P. Development of generalized disease at 2 years in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis. Arch Neurol. 2003 Feb;60(2):243-8. doi: 10.1001/archneur.60.2.243. PMID: 12580710.20 Myasthenia gravis fact sheet. Retrieved April 2024 from https://www-ninds-nih-gov.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sites/default/files/migrate-documents/myasthenia_gravis_e_march_2020_508c.pdf.21 Myasthenia Gravis: Treatment & Symptoms. (2021, April 7). Retrieved April 2024 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17252-myasthenia-gravis-mg.22 DRG EPI (2021) & Optum Claims Analysis Jan 2012-December 2020.23 O'Connell K, Ramdas S, Palace J. Management of Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol. 2020 Jul 24;11:743. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00743. PMID: 32793107; PMCID: PMC7393473.24 Antozzi, C et al., Efficacy and Safety of Nipocalimab in patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis- Top Line Results from the Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study. 2024 European Academy of Neurology Congress. June 2024.25 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04951622. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04951622. Last accessed: March 2025.26 ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03842189. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03842189. Last accessed: March 202527 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05327114. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05327114. Last accessed: March 202528 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04119050. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04119050. Last accessed: March 2025.29 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05379634. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05379634. Last accessed: March 2025.30 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05912517. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05912517. Last accessed: March 202531 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06028438. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06028438. Last accessed: March 2025.32 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04968912. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04968912. Last accessed: March 2025.33 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04882878. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04882878. Last accessed: March 2025.34 Lobato G, Soncini CS. Relationship between obstetric history and Rh(D) alloimmunization severity. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2008 Mar;277(3):245-8. DOI: 10.1007/s00404-007-0446-x. Last accessed: March 2025.35 Roy S, Nanovskaya T, Patrikeeva S, et al. M281, an anti-FcRn antibody, inhibits IgG transfer in a human ex vivo placental perfusion model. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;220(5):498 e491-498 e499. Media contact:Bridget Kimmel bkimmel@its.jnj.com Investor contact:Lauren Johnson investor-relations@its.jnj.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-nipocalimab-data-and-real-world-research-at-aan-2025-highlight-positive-phase-3-results-and-commitment-to-people-living-with-generalized-myasthenia-gravis-gmg-302411409.html SOURCE Johnson & Johnson

The flurry of immunology biotech launches continues. Boston-based Hillstar Bio on Tuesday became the latest immunology startup launch, unveiling a $67 million Series A round funded by Droia Ventures, Frazier Life Sciences, Novo Holdings and LifeArc Ventures. The biologics developer has been in the works since 2023, CEO Robert Mabry told Endpoints News . Mabry joined Hillstar in recent months after departing his chief scientific officer post at RNA medicines outfit Orna Therapeutics . “It’s just such a fantastic time for biologics right now. You’re seeing just a renaissance. All the technology is coming to fruition,” Mabry said. With the Series A, Hillstar expects to get into the clinic next year with its first biologic. The startup will begin in axial spondyloarthritis, or axSpA. The inflammatory condition leads to lower back pain, causing arthritis in the spine and other joints and organs. Approved medicines for the condition include Novartis’ Cosentyx, UCB’s Bimzelx and AbbVie’s Rinvoq . Others, like Acelyrin, once had ambitions in the space. Hillstar’s HSB-101 biologic targets TRBV9 + T cells. The goal is to invoke an “immune reset,” Mabry said. Beyond its lead asset, Hillstar could go into cold agglutinin disease, or CAD, according to a job posting for the company. In the rare condition, a patient’s immune system prematurely kills red blood cells. Sanofi sold Enjaymo, its approved drug for the condition, to Recordati for $825 million in October. “It’s still an area that we’re exploring,” Mabry said of CAD. “What we’ve been able to generate is a proprietary dataset using patient samples in that area, so we’re very excited about that as one of many different autoimmune diseases that we can go after.” Leading the biotech’s development is former Boston Pharmaceuticals clinical development SVP Mitchell Keegan. Hillstar’s chief operating officer is Lauren Mifflin, a principal of company creation at one of the startup’s key investors, Frazier Life Sciences. Hillstar’s board includes Mabry, Ingram, Novo Holdings senior partner Kenneth Harrison, Frazier General Partner Dan Estes, Droia Managing Partner Luc Dochez and Droia Partner Matthias Van Woensel. Mabry emphasized that the startup is an asset-focused company with drugs near the clinic — a profile investors have favored over the last few years of a moribund biotech sector. “We’re an asset company, a pipeline company — we’re not a platform technology company,” Mabry said. “That really changes the way you can run a biotech company. It changes the way you use the capital.” Along with the investment funds, another key Hillstar backer is Hummingbird Bioscience, a Singapore-based biotech that originated about a decade ago and that has antibody and antibody-drug conjugate platforms. Earlier this month, Frazier and Novo Holdings backed an ADC spinout from Hummingbird called Callio Therapeutics . “They’ve been a great shareholder for us and so being able to leverage them as part of our development, but also gaining access to other technologies that provide a lot of insight into development, that’s been a great partnership for us,” Mabry said of Hummingbird.