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Trial Design

ULTOMIRIS® was studied in one of the longest randomized clinical trials of a gMG treatment, in a broad population of patients1-3

CHAMPION-MG was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an open-label extension (OLE)1,4,5

Patients were randomized to receive either ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab-cwvz) (n=86) or placebo (n=89) for 26 weeks and were subsequently allowed to enter the OLE period for up to 4 years.1,4,5


ULTOMIRIS vs placebo randomized trial design: Screening & randomization for 2-4 weeks, randomized- controlled treatment (double-blind) for 26 weeks, and open-label extension for up to 4 years.

Key inclusion and exclusion criteria

Key inclusion criteria5

Patients enrolled in this trial had to have:

  • An MGFA clinical classification of class II through IV
  • gMG (diagnosed for at least 6 months) with a positive serologic test for anti-AChR antibodies
  • MG-ADL total score ≥6
  • Vaccinations against meningococcal infections

Patients on concomitant ISTs were required to be on stable doses throughout the primary treatment period.

Key exclusion criteria5

Patients were excluded from this trial if they had:

  • Any active or untreated thymoma or history of thymic carcinoma or thymic malignancy
  • History of thymectomy, thymomectomy, or any thymic surgery within 12 months prior to screening
  • Clinical features consistent with myasthenic crisis/exacerbation or clinical deterioration at the time of the screening visit or at any time prior to randomization
  • Therapies that were used within the following timeframes:
    • IVIg or PE within 4 weeks prior to randomization (Day 1)
    • Rituximab within 6 months prior to screening
    • Any previous treatment with complement inhibitors

CHAMPION-MG baseline characteristics2,4

baseline characteristics table

more than 90%

More than 90% of patients had MGFA class II or III gMG with mild or moderate weakness at baseline.2,5

The majority of symptomatic patients were already being treated with an IST4

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled CHAMPION-MG trial, approximately 90% of patients were taking an IST at baseline across both treatment arms.2,4,5

  • 47% of patients were taking 2 or more ISTs5

43% of patients received IVIg in the 2 years prior to trial screening.5

Over 80% of patients were receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, 70% were receiving corticosteroids, and 68% were receiving non-steroidal ISTs at study entry.4

  • Patients on concomitant medications to treat gMG were permitted to continue on therapy at stable doses throughout the course of the study, and those medications could be adjusted as necessary during the OLE5

Multiple measures of gMG were studied in CHAMPION-MG4,5

Primary endpoint4:

  • Change from baseline to Week 26 in the MG-ADL total scorea

    • MG-ADL Scale

Secondary endpointsb,c:

  • Change from baseline to Week 26 in the QMG total score4,d
  • The proportion of patients with improvements of at least 5 points in their QMG total score4
  • Change in revised Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life 15-item scale (MG-QoL15r)5
  • Change in Neurological Quality of Life (Neuro-QoL) Fatigue assessment5
  • The proportion of patients with improvements of at least 3 points in their MG-ADL total score4

QMG Scale

aThe MG-ADL is a categorical scale that assesses the impact on daily function of 8 signs or symptoms that are typically affected in gMG. Each item is assessed on a 4-point scale where a score of 0 represents normal function and a score of 3 represents loss of ability to perform that function. The total score ranges from 0 to 24, with the higher scores indicating more impairment.4

bHierarchical testing proceeded from the first to the fifth endpoint, and if statistical significance was not achieved (P-value >0.05), then subsequent endpoints were not considered statistically significant.5

cAll secondary endpoints are at Week 26.4

dThe QMG is a 13-item categorical scale assessing muscle weakness. Each item is assessed on a 4-point scale where a score of 0 represents no weakness and a score of 3 represents severe weakness. The total score ranges from 0 to 39, where higher scores indicate more severe impairment.4


AChR, acetylcholine receptor; gMG, generalized myasthenia gravis; IST, immunosuppressive therapy; IVIg, intravenous immunoglobulin; MG-ADL, Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living; MGFA, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America; PE, plasma exchange; QMG, Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis; SOC, standard of care.

ULTOMIRIS Efficacy

Find out the changes in MG-ADL and QMG total scores for patients in CHAMPION-MG.

View Efficacy Data

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INCLUDING BOXED WARNING

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS

Life-threatening meningococcal infections/sepsis have occurred in patients treated with ULTOMIRIS. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early.

  • Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in patients with complement deficiencies.
  • Immunize patients with meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to administering the first dose of ULTOMIRIS, unless the risks of delaying ULTOMIRIS therapy outweigh the risk of developing a meningococcal infection. See Warnings and Precautions for additional guidance on the management of the risk of meningococcal infection.
  • Vaccination reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of meningococcal infections. Monitor patients for early signs of meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected.

Because of the risk of serious meningococcal infections, ULTOMIRIS is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called ULTOMIRIS REMS.

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CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Patients with unresolved Neisseria meningitidis infection.
  • Patients who are not currently vaccinated against Neisseria meningitidis, unless the risks of delaying ULTOMIRIS treatment outweigh the risks of developing a meningococcal infection.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Serious Meningococcal Infections

Life-threatening meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with ULTOMIRIS. The use of ULTOMIRIS increases a patient’s susceptibility to serious meningococcal infections (septicemia and/or meningitis). Meningococcal disease due to any serogroup may occur.

Vaccinate or revaccinate for meningococcal disease according to the most current ACIP recommendations for patients with complement deficiencies. Immunize patients without history of meningococcal vaccination at least 2 weeks prior to the first dose of ULTOMIRIS. Patients who initiate ULTOMIRIS treatment less than 2 weeks after receiving meningococcal vaccine(s) must receive appropriate prophylactic antibiotics until 2 weeks after vaccination.

In clinical studies, 2 adult patients with gMG were treated with ULTOMIRIS less than 2 weeks after meningococcal vaccination. All of these patients received antibiotics for prophylaxis of meningococcal infection until at least 2 weeks after meningococcal vaccination. The benefits and risks of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of meningococcal infections in patients receiving ULTOMIRIS have not been established. Consider discontinuation of ULTOMIRIS in patients who are undergoing treatment for serious meningococcal infection.

ULTOMIRIS REMS
Due to the risk of meningococcal infections, ULTOMIRIS is available only through a restricted program under a REMS called ULTOMIRIS REMS.

Under the ULTOMIRIS REMS, prescribers must enroll in the program. Prescribers must counsel patients about the risk of meningococcal infection/sepsis, provide the patients with the REMS educational materials, and ensure patients are vaccinated with meningococcal vaccines.

Additional information on the REMS requirements is available at www.ultomirisrems.com or 1-888-765-4747.

Other Infections
Patients may have increased susceptibility to infections, especially with encapsulated bacteria, such as infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis but also Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and to a lesser extent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. If ULTOMIRIS is administered to patients with active systemic infections, monitor closely for worsening infection.

Thromboembolic Event Management
The effect of withdrawal of anticoagulant therapy during treatment with ULTOMIRIS has not been established. Treatment should not alter anticoagulant management.

Infusion-Related Reactions
Intravenous administration of ULTOMIRIS may result in systemic infusion-related reactions, including anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity reactions. In clinical trials, infusion-related reactions occurred in approximately 1% of patients treated with ULTOMIRIS. These events included lower back pain, drop in blood pressure, elevation in blood pressure, limb discomfort, drug hypersensitivity (allergic reaction), dysgeusia (bad taste), and drowsiness. These reactions did not require discontinuation of ULTOMIRIS. If signs of cardiovascular instability or respiratory compromise occur, interrupt ULTOMIRIS infusion and institute appropriate supportive measures.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Most common adverse reactions in adult patients with gMG (incidence ≥10%) were diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infection. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 20 (23%) of patients treated with ULTOMIRIS and in 14 (16%) patients receiving placebo. The most frequent serious adverse reactions were infections reported in at least 8 (9%) patients treated with ULTOMIRIS and in 4 (4%) patients treated with placebo. Of these infections, one fatal case of COVID-19 pneumonia was identified in a patient treated with ULTOMIRIS and one case of infection led to discontinuation of ULTOMIRIS.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Plasma Exchange, Plasmapheresis, and Intravenous Immunoglobulins
Concomitant use of ULTOMIRIS with plasma exchange (PE), plasmapheresis (PP), or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment can reduce serum ravulizumab concentrations and requires a supplemental dose of ULTOMIRIS.

Neonatal Fc Receptor Blockers
Concomitant use of ULTOMIRIS with neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blockers (e.g., efgartigimod) may lower systemic exposures and reduce effectiveness of ULTOMIRIS. Closely monitor for reduced effectiveness of ULTOMIRIS.

INDICATION
ULTOMIRIS is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ULTOMIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious and life-threatening meningococcal infections/sepsis.

References:

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