AstraZeneca autoimmune treatment meets trial endpoint

AstraZeneca said its treatment for an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system had met a primary endpoint in a phase 3 trial.

The company on Thursday said the Ultomiris drug achieved a “statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of relapse in adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

It added that Ultomiris met the primary endpoint of time to first on-trial relapse, as confirmed by an independent adjudication committee.

“Notably, no relapse was observed in 58 patients over a median treatment duration of 73 weeks,” the company said.

NMOSD is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (, including the spine and optic nerves.

“Most people living with NMOSD often experience unpredictable relapses, a new onset of neurologic symptoms or worsening of existing neurologic symptoms, also referred to as attacks, which tend to be severe and recurrent and may result in permanent disability,” AstraZeneca said.