Telitacicept

YANTAI, China, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 8, 2025 (UTC-7), impressive results of the Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT05737160) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Telitacicept (synonym: RC18; brand name: 泰爱®) in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) were presented during the Late-Breaking Science Session at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting 2025 in San Diego, CA. According to the presented data, among the participants in the Telitacicept 240 mg group, 98.1% of the patients demonstrated a ≥ 3-point reduction in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score and 87% of the patients demonstrated a ≥ 5-point reduction in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score at Week 24. With the highest MG-ADL response rate among all drugs for gMG with phase 3 studies reported to date, Telitacicept will provide an important new treatment option gMG. Telitacicept is a novel fusion protein targeting both BlyS and APRIL independently designed and developed by RemeGen Co.,Ltd. ("RemeGen"). The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial was conducted in China (NCT05737160) and led by Professor Jian Yin of Beijing Hospital. A total of 114 gMG patients with baseline MG-ADL score ≥6 and QMG score ≥8 were enrolled in the study, with 57 patients in the Telitacicept 240 mg group and the placebo group respectively. The study consisted of a 24-week double-blind treatment stage and an open-label treatment stage. The presented results herein were from the double-blind treatment study. The data showed that ‌Telitacicept‌ achieved ‌sustained and significant improvement‌ in clinical outcomes for patients with gMG, ‌with a favorable safety profile： Telitacicept demonstrated significant improvements‌ in MG-ADL and QMG scores after 4 weeks' treatment compared to placebo. At Week 24, change in MG-ADL was -5.74 and -0.91 with Telitacicept and placebo group, respectively. 98.1% and 12.0% of Telitacicept and placebo group patients had ≥3-point reduction in MG-ADL, respectively. The MG-ADL scale quantifies the impact of MG symptoms on daily life quality, focusing on patients' subjective experience and daily function. These data showed that patients treated with Telitacicept achieved ‌clinically meaningful improvement‌‌. At Week 24, change in QMG was -8.66 and -2.27 with Telitacicept and placebo group, respectively. 87.0% and 16.0% of Telitacicept and placebo group patients had ≥ 5-point reduction in QMG, respectively. The QMG score assesses the strength and endurance of the whole body muscle group, focusing on objective measurement. These data demonstrated that patients treated with Telitacicept‌ achieved ‌clinically meaningful reductions in disease severity. There is a strong correlation between MG-ADL and QMG in evaluating treatment response, and the combination of MG-ADL and QMG can comprehensively reflect the disease severity. Sustained improvement: MG-ADL and QMG scores continued to decline over time in the Telitacicept group, with peak improvement at the last reported observation, Week 24. Telitacicept was well tolerated during the treatment, with an overall adverse event (AE) incidence similar to that in the placebo group and an incidence of infection-related AEs lower than that in the placebo group (45.6% vs. 59.6%). The principal investigator Prof. Yin Jian of Beijing Hospital said "Telitacicept demonstrated rapid and significant clinical improvement in the phase 3 trial, and was well tolerated. Its dual-targeting mechanism not only inhibits abnormal B cells and plasma cells thoroughly and reduces the level of pathogenic antibodies, but also effectively slows down disease progression in the long term, and reduces steroid dosage as symptoms improve, providing a more precise, efficient, persistent, and safer option for gMG treatment." Dr. Jianmin Fang, CEO of RemeGen, said "The phase 3 data of Telitacicept for MG is clinically meaningful. There is a large unmet medical need in MG because the disease presents significant threat to patients' health and life-span. This breakthrough means that we have an new, effective treatment for MG as Telitacicept can significantly improve patients' symptoms and bring long term benefits to MG patients. We look forward to working with global experts and scholars to overcome more complex autoimmune diseases and benefit more patients." MG is an autoimmune disease caused by neuromuscular junction transmission disorders. It is characterized by fatigue and fluctuations in symptoms, long treatment cycles and high recurrence rate. More than 85% of patients develop to gMG within 24 months of onset. According to Frost & Sullivan report, there are about 1.2 million MG patients worldwide, including about 220,000 patients in China. At present, there is a great unmet medical demand. The newly disclosed "best-in-class" data mark a breakthrough achievement of Chinese innovative drugs in the field of neuroimmunology. Currently, the BLA of Telitacicept for the treatment of gMG has been accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China's National Medical Products Administration, and it is expected to be approved in China in the second quarter of this year. Meanwhile, RemeGen is advancing a global multicenter Phase 3 trial of Telitacicept for the treatment of gMG, aiming to validate the efficacy and safety of Telitacicept in a wider patient population, and to provide a superior treatment option for gMG patients worldwide. SOURCE RemeGen Co., Ltd WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

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: . 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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