Clinical Trials Poster Presentation

P0241 - Top-line Results of EMPhASIS, a Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Vidofludimus Calcium (IMU-838) in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (ID 1409)

Speakers
  • R. Fox
Authors
  • R. Fox
  • H. Wiendl
  • N. De Stefano
  • J. Sellner
  • A. Mühler
Presentation Number
P0241
Presentation Topic
Clinical Trials

Abstract

Background

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibition is an established mode of action for disease-modifying treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838) is a selective and potent second-generation DHODH oral immunomodulator being developed for the treatment of several immune-mediated diseases including MS and COVID-19. The inhibition of the DHODH enzyme leads to metabolic stress in stimulated lymphocytes with subsequent reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and induction of apoptosis. Due to IMU-838’s pharmacological selectivity and lack of relevant off-target effects on kinases, increased rates of typical antiproliferative effects (neutropenia, alopecia and gastrointestinal disturbances) have not been observed in clinical trials. The serum half-life of approximately 30 hours allows quick on- and off-dosing.

Objectives

To report top­line efficacy, safety, and tolerability of IMU-838 in the relapsing MS EMPhASIS trial (NCT03846219), the first trial of IMU-838 in MS.

Methods

EMPhASIS is a phase 2 multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group trial to assess the efficacy and safety of two once-daily oral doses of IMU-838 (30 and 45 mg/day) in patients with RRMS. Inclusion criteria are age 18-55 years, active RRMS defined by the evidence of clinical and radiological disease activity, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0-4. The primary endpoint is the cumulative number of combined unique active MRI lesions over 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints include efficacy, safety and tolerability parameters. The study also includes a subsequent optional, open-label treatment period to evaluate long-term safety and tolerability.

Results

210 subjects (65% women) were enrolled in 36 centers across four European countries. The mean age at baseline was 36.8 years (SD 8.8). 198 subjects (94%) completed the 24-week main treatment period, with the last follow-up visit in April 2020. Database lock will be in July 2020 and top-line data will be available shortly thereafter. Primary outcome and several secondary outcomes (including safety data) will be presented.

Conclusions

IMU-838 is an orally available, next-generation selective immunomodulator with a potentially more favorable profile than first-generation DHODH inhibitors. Top-line results of IMU-838 on primary and several secondary endpoints in patients with RRMS in the EMPhASIS trial will be presented.

Collapse