A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of ARGX-113 in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis Who Have Generalized Muscle Weakness

• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02965573
• Recruitment Status: Completed
• First Posted: November 17, 2016
• Results First Posted: January 8, 2021
• Last Update Posted: January 8, 2021
• Sponsor: argenx
• Collaborator: Quintiles, Inc.
• Information provided by (Responsible Party): argenx

Study Description

Brief Summary:

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase II study to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of ARGX-113 for the treatment of autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis (MG) with generalized muscle weakness.

Condition or disease	Intervention/treatment	Phase
Myasthenia Gravis	Biological: ARGX-113; Drug: Placebo	Phase 2

Detailed Description:

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder characterized in most cases by T cell and antibody responses to neuromuscular junction proteins such as skeletal muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Antibodies against epitopes of the AChR of the neuromuscular junction cause failure of neuromuscular transmission, resulting in the characteristic fatigue and weakness associated with this severe disorder.

The study will evaluate an innovative candidate in MG.

Study Design

• Study Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial)
• Actual Enrollment: 24 participants
• Allocation: Randomized
• Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Official Title: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of ARGX-113 in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis Who Have Generalized Muscle Weakness
• Actual Study Start Date: December 30, 2016
• Actual Primary Completion Date: October 20, 2017
• Actual Study Completion Date: October 20, 2017

Arms and Interventions

Arm	Intervention/treatment
Active Comparator: ARGX-113; During the Treatment period, eligible patients will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive ARGX-113	Biological: ARGX-113
Placebo Comparator: Placebo; During the Treatment period, eligible patients will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive placebo	Drug: Placebo

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures :

1. Number of Patients With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAES) and Treatment Emergent Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) [ Time Frame: Day 1 to Day 78 ]
   TEAEs were defined as AEs that first occurred or worsened in severity after the first administration of the treatment. A treatment emergent SAE was any untoward medical occurrence that resulted in death; was life-threatening; required inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization;resulted in persistent or significant disability or incapacity; was a congenital abnormality or birth defect; or other medically significant events. All TEAEs observed were graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 4.03 with descriptions of severity for each AE based on the following general guideline: Grade 1= mild; Grade 2 = moderate; Grade 3 = severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening; Grade 4 = life-threatening consequences; Grade 5 = death related to AE.
2. Mean Change From Baseline in Vital Signs: Blood Pressure [ Time Frame: Baseline and Days 8,15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64 and 78 ]
   The patients' diastolic and systolic blood pressure were measured pre-dose on dosing days 1,8,15 and 22 and also during the follow up period. The mean change from baseline at each time point is presented. Baseline is defined as the last non-missing value before first dose of study medication.
3. Mean Change From Baseline in Vital Signs: Heart Rate [ Time Frame: Baseline and Days 8,15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64 and 78 ]
   The patients' heart rate was measured pre-dose on dosing days 1,8,15 and 22 and also during the follow up period. The mean change from baseline at each time point is presented. Baseline is defined as the last non-missing value before first dose of study medication.
4. Mean Change From Baseline in Vital Signs: Temperature [ Time Frame: Baseline and Days 8,15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64 and 78 ]
   The patients' temperature was measured pre-dose on dosing days 1,8,15 and 22 and also during the follow up period. The mean change from baseline at each time point is presented. Baseline is defined as the last non-missing value before first dose of study medication.
5. Mean Change From Baseline in Vital Signs: Weight [ Time Frame: Baseline and Days 8,15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64 and 78 ]
   The patients' weight as measured pre-dose on dosing days 1,8,15 and 22 and also during the follow up period. The mean change from baseline at each time point is presented. Baseline is defined as the last non-missing value before first dose of study medication.
6. Number of Patients With Abnormal Clinically Relevant Findings in Electrocardiogram (ECG) Parameters [ Time Frame: Day 1 to Day 78 ]
   ECG parameters of heart rate, PR, QT, and QRS interval were read locally and performed pre-dose on dosing days 1,8,15 and 22 and on the last follow up visit on Day 78. Any patients recording abnormal clinically relevant findings during the study are presented.
7. Number of Patients With Abnormal Clinical Laboratory Findings Reported as TEAEs [ Time Frame: Day 1 to Day 78 ]
   Sampling for clinical laboratory tests including hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysiswas performed pre-dose on dosing Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 and throughout the follow up period. Patients fasted for at least 8 hours prior to this sampling. Abnormal laboratory values, or test results were not reported as TEAEs unless they were associated with clinical signs and symptoms that were considered clinically relevant, required therapy or led to treatment discontinuation. Patients reporting TEAEs in any of the laboratory parameters during the study are presented.

Secondary Outcome Measures :

1. Mean Change From Baseline in Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) Score [ Time Frame: Baseline and Days 8,15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64 and 78 ]
   The MG-ADL is an 8-item patient-reported scale to assess MG symptoms and their effects on daily activities. It evaluates the capacity to perform different activities of daily living such as talking, chewing, swallowing, breathing, brushing the teeth/combing the hair, or arising from the chair and it also assesses double vision and eyelid droop. The 8 items are rated from 0 to 3 and the total score could point from 0 to 24; with higher scores indicating more impairment. The mean change in MG-ADL score from baseline is presented for each timepoint with a clinically meaningful improvement defined as a drop of at least 2 points as compared with baseline.
2. Mean Change From Baseline in QMG Score [ Time Frame: Baseline and Days 8,15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64 and 78 ]

   The QMG quantifies disease severity based on impairments of body functions and structures as defined by the International Classification of Disability and Health.

   The QMG consists of 13 items that includes ocular, bulbar, and limb function. Out of the 13 items, 6 are timed tests of endurance measured in seconds. Each item has a possible score from 0-3. The score range is 0-39, where higher scores indicate more severe impairments. The mean change in QMG score from baseline is presented with a clinically meaningful improvement defined as a drop of at least 3 points as compared with baseline.

3. Mean Change From Baseline in MGC Score [ Time Frame: Baseline and Days 8,15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64 and 78 ]
   The MGC has 10 items combining physician examination and patient-reported outcomes. The 2 ocular items are derived from QMG. It has 3 items on muscle strength (deltoids, hip flexors, and neck flexors or extensors) and 4 items on bulbar function (swallowing, chewing, breathing, and speech functions), based on the clinical history. Each item is scored on an ordinal scale with 4 possible categories, but the items are weighted, whereby bulbar impairments weigh more than ocular ones. The impairments that were examined by the Investigator included ptosis or upward gaze, double vision, eye closure, neck flexion, shoulder abduction, and hip flexion. The patient-reported outcomes under MGC are talking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. The maximum possible score is 50 (range from 0-50), with higher scores reflecting more severe impairments. The mean change in MGC score from baseline is presented.
4. Mean Change From Baseline in MGQoL15r Score [ Time Frame: Baseline and Days 8,15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64 and 78 ]
   The MGQoL15r is a quality of life scale or survey of patient's responses that addresses MG-specific psychological well-being and social functioning. It is a brief questionnaire that is completed by the patient and uses 3 response options to help inform the clinician about the patient's perception of the extent of and dissatisfaction with MG-related dysfunction. Each item is scored from 0 to 2 according to its frequency, with a maximum score of 30 (range 0-30) and higher scores reflecting more severe impairment. The mean change in MGQoL15r score from baseline is presented.
5. Maximum Reduction From Baseline in MG-ADL Score [ Time Frame: Day 1 to Day 78 ]
   The MG-ADL is an 8-item patient-reported scale to assess MG symptoms and their effects on daily activities. It evaluates the capacity to perform different activities of daily living such as talking, chewing, swallowing, breathing, brushing the teeth/combing the hair, or arising from the chair and it also assesses double vision and eyelid droop. The 8 items are rated from 0 to 3 and the total score could point from 0 to 24; with higher scores indicating more impairment. The mean maximum reduction from baseline across all visit days for MG-ADL score is presented.
6. Maximum Reduction From Baseline in QMG Score [ Time Frame: Day 1 to Day 78 ]

   The QMG quantifies disease severity based on impairments of body functions and structures as defined by the International Classification of Disability and Health.

   The QMG consists of 13 items that included ocular, bulbar, and limb function. Out of the 13 items, 6 are timed tests of endurance measured in seconds. Each item has a possible score from 0-3. The total possible score is 39 (range 0-39), where higher scores indicates more severe impairments. The mean maximum reduction from baseline across all visit days for QMG score is presented.

7. Maximum Reduction From Baseline in MGC Score [ Time Frame: Day 1 to Day 78 ]
   The MGC has 10 items combining physician examination and patient-reported outcomes. The 2 ocular items are derived from QMG. It has 3 items on muscle strength (deltoids, hip flexors, and neck flexors or extensors) and 4 items on bulbar function (swallowing, chewing, breathing, and speech functions), based on the clinical history. Each item is scored on an ordinal scale with 4 possible categories, but the items are weighted, whereby bulbar impairments weigh more than ocular ones. The impairments that were examined by the Investigator included ptosis or upward gaze, double vision, eye closure, neck flexion, shoulder abduction, and hip flexion. The patient-reported outcomes under MGC are talking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. The maximum possible score is 50 (range 0-50), with higher scores reflecting more severe impairments. The mean maximum reduction from baseline across all visit days for MCG score is presented.
8. Maximum Reduction From Baseline in MGQoL15r Score [ Time Frame: Day 1 to Day 78 ]
   The MGQoL15r is a quality of life scale or survey of patient's responses that addresses MG-specific psychological well-being and social functioning. It is a brief questionnaire that was completed by the patient and uses 3 response options to help inform the clinician about the patient's perception of the extent of and dissatisfaction with MG-related dysfunction. Each item is scored from 0 to 2 according to its frequency, with a maximum score of 30 (range 0-30) and higher scores reflecting more severe impairment. The mean maximum reduction from baseline across all visit days for MGQoL15r score is presented.
9. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameters - Plasma Concentrations of ARGX-113 [ Time Frame: Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 ]
   The appropriate PK parameters were calculated after single (Day 1) and multiple administrations (Days 8,15 and 22) of ARGX-113. The mean maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) and plasma concentration observed pre-dose (Ctrough) is presented.
10. PK Parameters - Median Time of Occurrence of Cmax (Tmax) of ARGX-113 [ Time Frame: Days 1, 8 15 and 22. ]
    The appropriate PK parameters were calculated after single (Day 1) and multiple administrations (Days 8, 15 and 22) of ARGX-113. The median tmax is presented.
11. PK Parameters - Apparent Terminal Half-life (t1/2 Lambda z) of ARGX-113 [ Time Frame: Day 22 ]
    The t1/2 lambda z was calculated at Day 22.
12. PK Parameters - Accumulation Ratio (Rac) of ARGX-113 [ Time Frame: Days 1 and 22. ]
    The Rac was calculated as Day 22 Cmax/Day 1 Cmax.
13. Mean Percent Change From Baseline in Immunoglobulins (IgGs) [ Time Frame: Baseline, Days 22 and 78 ]
    The pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers that were measured included the following IgGs: Total IgG and IgG isotypes; IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4. PD samples were collected pre-dose on dosing days and the mean percent change from baseline at the end of treatment (Day 22) and at the last follow up visit (Day 78) are presented.
14. Mean Percent Change From Baseline in Anti-Acetylcholine Receptor (AChR) Antibodies [ Time Frame: Baseline, Days 22 and 78 ]
    Analysis of the PD biomarkers included anti-AChR binding antibodies. PD samples were collected pre-dose on dosing days and the mean percent change from baseline at the end of treatment (Day 22) and at the last follow up visit (Day 78) are presented.
15. Number of Patients With an Anti-drug Antibodies (ADA) Response [ Time Frame: Baseline up to Day 78 ]
    Blood samples to assess ADA were collected pre-dose on dosing days and throughout the follow up period. The overall number of patients with pre-dose and post-dose ADA titers are presented.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Sexes Eligible for Study: All
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Have the ability to understand the requirements of the study, provide written informed consent (including consent for the use and disclosure of research-related health information), and comply with the study protocol procedures (including required study visits).
2. Male or female patients aged ≥18 years.

3. Diagnosis of autoimmune MG with generalized muscle weakness meeting the clinical criteria for diagnosis of MG as defined by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Clinical Classification Class II, III, or IVa, and likely not in need of a respirator for the duration of the study as judged by the Investigator.

   The confirmation of the diagnosis should be documented and supported by:

   • Positive serologic test for anti-AChR antibodies before Screening and
   • at least 1 of the following 3 tests: (i) History of abnormal neuromuscular transmission test demonstrated by single-fiber electromyography or repetitive nerve stimulation or (ii) History of positive edrophonium chloride test, or (iii) Patient has demonstrated improvement in MG signs on oral cholinesterase inhibitors as assessed by the treating physician.
4. A total score of ≥ 5 on the MG ADL at Screening and Baseline with more than 50% of this score attributed to non ocular items.

5. Patients are required to be on a stable dose of their MG treatment prior to randomization. For patients receiving AZA, other NSIDs, steroids, and/or cholinesterase inhibitors as concomitant medications the following conditions will apply:

   • AZA: treatment initiated at least 12 months ago and no dose changes in the last 6 months before screening.
   • Other NSIDs (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclophosphamide) treatment initiated at least 6 months ago and no dose changes in the last 3 months before Screening.
   • Steroids treatment initiated at least 3 months prior to and no dose changes in the last month before Screening.
   • Cholinesterase inhibitors: to be on a stable dose for >2 weeks before Screening.

   Note: cholinesterase inhibitors must be held for at least 12 hours consistent with the revised manual for the QMG test as recommended by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Inc (MGFA), before the MGQoL15r, MG-ADL, QMG, and MGC assessments.

6. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test at Screening and a negative urine pregnancy test at Visit 1 prior to administration of IMP. Female of childbearing potential are defined as all female participants unless they are postmenopausal (defined by continuous amenorrhea) for at least 2 years with a Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) > 40 IU/L or are surgically sterile (i.e., who had a hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, or have current documented tubal ligation or any other permanent female sterilization procedure). Determination of FSH levels can be used to confirm postmenopausal status in amenorrheic patients not on hormonal replacement therapy if the test result is within the postmenopausal range per the central laboratory.
7. Female participants of childbearing potential must agree to use a highly effective method of contraception (i.e., pregnancy rate of less than 1% per year) during the study and for 90 days after the discontinuation of the IMP. Adequate contraceptive methods include combined hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, intravaginal, transdermal), progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, injectable, implantable), intrauterine devices (IUDs), intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS), true sexual abstinence (when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant), bilateral tubal occlusion, or a female participant who is not of childbearing potential. Female participants and female partners of male study participants using a hormonal contraceptive must also use a barrier method (i.e., condom or occlusive cap [diaphragm or cervical/vault caps]) and should have been stable on their hormonal contraceptive treatment for at least 4 weeks before Screening.
8. Sterilized male patients who have had vasectomy with documented aspermia post procedure can be included. In addition, male patients must be advised not to donate sperm during this period from signing of Informed Consent Form (ICF), throughout the duration of the study, and for 90 days after the last administration of IMP. Non-sterilized male patients who are sexually active with a female partner of childbearing potential must use effective method of double barrier contraception (e.g., condom with spermicidal cream or jelly, 1 hormonal plus 1 barrier method or 2 simultaneous barrier methods). Male patients practicing true sexual abstinence (when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant) can be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Females who are pregnant or lactating.
2. MGFA Class I, IVb, and V.
3. Have an active infection, a recent serious infection (i.e., requiring injectable antimicrobial therapy or hospitalization) within the 8 weeks prior to Screening; or history of or known infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Patients must have negative test results for HBV surface antigen, HBV core antibody, HCV antibody, HIV 1 and 2 antibodies, and a negative QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test at Screening. Patients with an indeterminate QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test result will be allowed one retest; if not negative on retesting, the patient will be excluded.

4. At Screening, have clinically significant laboratory abnormalities or as below:

   • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN).
   • Total serum bilirubin of > 1.5 x ULN (except for Grade 1 hyperbilirubinemia solely due to a medical diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome).
   • Serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL and creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min (using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology [CKD-EPI]-Creatinine formula).
   • Clinically Significant proteinuria (i.e., > 3 x ULN).
   • Hemoglobin ≤ 9 g/L.
   • Thyroid stimulating hormone or thyroglobulin outside of the central laboratory normal range.
   • International normalized ratio (INR) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) > 1.2 x ULN.
   • Total immunoglobulin G level < 6 g/L.
5. Body Mass Index (BMI) at Screening ≥ 35 kg/m2.
6. Use of rituximab, belimumab, eculizumab or any monoclonal antibody for immunomodulation within 6 months prior to first dosing. Patients with prior exposure to rituximab must have CD19 counts within the normal range per the central laboratory at Screening.
7. Use of any biological therapy or investigational drug within 3 months or 5 half-lives of the drug (whichever is longer) before Screening.
8. Immunoglobulins given by IV (IVIg), or intramuscular route, or plasmapheresis/plasma exchange (PE) within 4 weeks before Screening.
9. Have known autoimmune disease other than MG that would interfere with the course and conduct of the study (such as uncontrolled thyroid disease or severe RA).
10. Have received vaccinations within 4 weeks before Screening or have any vaccinations planned during the study.
11. Have a history of malignancy, including malignant thymoma, or myeloproliferative or lymphoproliferative disorders at any time, unless deemed cured by adequate treatment with no evidence of recurrence for ≥5 years before Screening. Patients with completely excised nonmelanoma skin cancers (such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) or cervical carcinoma in situ would be permitted at any time.
12. Have a history of cerebrovascular accident or myocardial infarction within the last 12 months before Screening, or current severe/unstable angina, arrhythmia, symptomatic congestive heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV, or uncontrolled hypertension.
13. Have clinical evidence of significant unstable or uncontrolled acute or chronic diseases (i.e., cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, gastrointestinal, endocrinologic, hepatic, renal, neurologic, malignancy, or infectious diseases) which, in the opinion of the Investigator, could confound the results of the study or put the patient at undue risk.
14. Major past surgery (e.g., heart valve replacement, hip replacement) that, in the opinion of the Investigator, poses a risk to patient's safety or interferes with the study evaluation, procedures or completion.
15. Thymectomy when performed < 3 months prior to Screening.
16. History or presence of alcoholism or drug/chemical/substance abuse within 2 years before Screening per Investigator's opinion.

Contacts and Locations

Locations

United States, California

Investigator Site 19

Irvine, California, United States

Investigator Site 17

Los Angeles, California, United States

United States, Florida

Investigator Site 15

Tampa, Florida, United States

United States, Indiana

Investigator Site 16

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

United States, North Carolina

Investigator Site 14

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

United States, Ohio

Investigator Site 18

Dublin, Ohio, United States

Belgium

Investigator Site 2

Gent, Belgium

Investigator Site 1

Leuven, Belgium

Canada

Investigator Site 4

Montréal, Canada

Investigator Site 3

Toronto, Canada

Italy

Investigator Site 7

Bergamo, Italy

Investigator Site 6

Milano, Italy

Investigator Site 5

Roma, Italy

Netherlands

Investigator Site 8

Leiden, Netherlands

Poland

Investigator Site 10

Gdańsk, Poland

Investigator Site 9

Kraków, Poland

Spain

Investigator Site 12

Barcelona, Spain

Investigator Site 11

Madrid, Spain

Sweden

Investigator Site 13

Solna, Sweden

Sponsors and Collaborators

argenx

Quintiles, Inc.

Investigators

• Study Director: Antonio Guglietta, MD; argenx

  Study Documents (Full-Text)

Documents provided by argenx:

Study Protocol  [PDF] November 28, 2016

Statistical Analysis Plan  [PDF] October 6, 2017

More Information

• Responsible Party: argenx
• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02965573
• Other Study ID Numbers: ARGX-113-1602; 2016-002938-73 ( EudraCT Number )
• First Posted: November 17, 2016
• Results First Posted: January 8, 2021
• Last Update Posted: January 8, 2021
• Last Verified: January 2021

Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:

• Plan to Share IPD: No

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product: No

Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Myasthenia Gravis; Muscle Weakness; Paresis; Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System; Nervous System Neoplasms; Neoplasms by Site; Neoplasms; Paraneoplastic Syndromes; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neuromuscular Junction Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases