Copenhagen, Denmark; September 23, 2008 - Genmab A/S (OMX:
GEN) announced today it has completed recruitment of patients in the
pivotal Phase III study of ofatumumab (HuMax-CD20®) in rituximab refractory
follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Eighty-one patients receiving
treatment at the 1000 mg dose level of ofatumumab have been recruited in
the study. Data from these patients will be included in the primary
efficacy analysis. An additional 31 patients were recruited at a 500 mg
dose level prior to amending the study design to include only one dose.
Data from these patients will be evaluated for safety and supportive
efficacy analysis.
"We have now recruited the last patient into the study and keenly
await the results which we hope will show a benefit for follicular NHL
patients who need a new treatment option," said Lisa N. Drakeman,
Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.
Ofatumumab is an investigational, new generation, human monoclonal antibody
that targets a distinct membrane proximal, small loop epitope (specific
binding site) of the CD20 molecule on the surface of B-cells. Ofatumumab is
being developed to treat CLL, follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis and relapsing remitting
multiple sclerosis under a co-development and commercialization agreement
between Genmab and GlaxoSmithKline. It is not yet approved for sale in any
country.
About the trial
Patients in this study will receive one infusion of 300 mg of ofatumumab
followed by 7 weekly infusions of 1000 mg of ofatumumab. Disease status
will be assessed every 3 months until month 24.
The objective of the study is to determine the efficacy and safety of
ofatumumab in rituximab refractory follicular NHL. The primary endpoint of
the study is objective response as measured over a 6 month period from
start of treatment assessed by an Independent endpoints Review Committee
(IRC) according to the standardized criteria for NHL.