Randomized study of adjunctive belimumab in participants with generalized myasthenia gravis.
Journal Article (Journal Article;Multicenter Study)
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of belimumab, a fully human immunoglobulin G1λ monoclonal antibody against B-lymphocyte stimulator, in participants with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) who remained symptomatic despite standard of care (SoC) therapy. METHODS: Eligible participants with MG were randomized 1:1 to receive IV belimumab 10 mg/kg or placebo in this phase II, placebo-controlled, multicenter, double-blind study (NCT01480596; BEL115123). Participants received SoC therapies throughout the 24-week treatment phase and 12-week follow-up period. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change from baseline in the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scale at week 24; safety assessments included the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs. RESULTS: Forty participants were randomized (placebo n = 22; belimumab n = 18). The mean change in QMG score from baseline at week 24 was not significantly different for belimumab vs placebo (p = 0.256). There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups for secondary endpoints, including the MG Composite and MG-Activity of Daily Living scores. Acetylcholine receptor antibody levels decreased over time in both treatment groups. No unexpected AEs were identified and occurrence was similar in the belimumab (78%) and placebo (91%) groups. One participant receiving placebo died (severe sepsis) during the treatment phase. CONCLUSIONS: The primary endpoint was not met for belimumab in participants with generalized MG receiving SoC. There was no significant difference in mean change in the QMG score at week 24 for belimumab vs placebo. The safety profile of belimumab was consistent with previous systemic lupus erythematosus studies. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence that for participants with generalized MG, belimumab did not significantly improve QMG score compared with placebo.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Hewett, K; Sanders, DB; Grove, RA; Broderick, CL; Rudo, TJ; Bassiri, A; Zvartau-Hind, M; Bril, V; BEL115123 Study Group,
Published Date
- April 17, 2018
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 90 / 16
Start / End Page
- e1425 - e1434
PubMed ID
- 29661905
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC5902787
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1526-632X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1212/WNL.0000000000005323
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States