NovelMed has announced positive interim results from its Phase II clinical trial of Ruxoprubart (NM8074), a novel complement-targeting immunotherapy for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). The 12-week data from this ongoing multi-dose study in treatment-naïve adult PNH patients demonstrated that Ruxoprubart met all primary efficacy endpoints while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
The open-label trial, which has completed treatment in 10 of 12 planned subjects, showed that Ruxoprubart as a monotherapy achieved complete transfusion avoidance in all treated patients. The drug increased hemoglobin levels by 1.4 to 2.0 g/dL in most subjects, with some patients experiencing increases of up to 4.3 g/dL. The cohort averaged a hemoglobin increase of more than 1.6 g/dL from baseline to the end of the treatment period.
"The promising interim results from our Phase II PNH study solidify Ruxoprubart as a novel treatment for patients with advanced hematological conditions, offering hope where existing therapies fall short," said Dr. Rekha Bansal, CEO of NovelMed. "We are eager to present our findings to regulatory authorities and proceed with the Phase III trial."
Unique Mechanism of Action
Ruxoprubart works through a differentiated mechanism compared to other complement inhibitors on the market. The drug binds to Bb and selectively inhibits the protease activity of the Alternative Pathway C3 convertase while preserving the Classical Pathway. This selective approach allows for targeted treatment of PNH, which is primarily an Alternative Pathway-mediated disease.
By acting proximally in the Alternative Pathway, Ruxoprubart provides control over both intravascular and extravascular hemolysis. This mechanism explains the marked increases in hemoglobin levels observed in the trial and positions the drug as a potential treatment for a broad range of complement-mediated disorders.
"We are excited to announce that our Alternative Pathway strategy for treating PNH is delivering exceptional results," said Mr. Alex Kumar, Chief Strategy Advisor at NovelMed. "These data reinforce our confidence as we look forward to working with the regulatory agency to bring Ruxoprubart to PNH patients without delay."
Comprehensive Efficacy Profile
The Phase II trial evaluated several key efficacy endpoints that are critical for PNH patients:
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Transfusion Avoidance: Ruxoprubart effectively protected PNH Type III cells from Alternative Pathway-mediated destruction, resulting in complete transfusion avoidance.
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Hemoglobin Increase: The drug significantly improved hemoglobin levels, addressing the severe anemia that characterizes PNH.
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LDH Reduction: By controlling complement-mediated hemolysis, Ruxoprubart reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels to baseline.
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Preservation of PNH Cells: The treatment significantly preserved PNH cells, resulting in a substantial increase in the total PNH clone size.
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Pathogenic Clearance: Importantly, Ruxoprubart facilitated effective pathogenic clearance across all treated subjects, suggesting the drug does not compromise immune function against infections.
Addressing Unmet Needs in PNH Treatment
PNH is a rare, acquired hematologic disorder in which red blood cells lack protective surface proteins due to a mutation in the phosphatidylinositol glycan class A (PIGA) gene. This leaves the cells vulnerable to complement-mediated destruction, resulting in hemolytic anemia, thrombosis, and other serious complications.
Current standard treatments like Soliris® (eculizumab) have significant limitations. Up to 88% of Soliris-treated patients continue to experience persistent anemia, with more than one-third requiring blood transfusions at least once annually. Additionally, most FDA-approved therapies for PNH carry Black Box warnings due to broad immunosuppression of the Classical Pathway, which increases the risk of life-threatening infections.
Ruxoprubart's selective inhibition of only the Alternative Pathway potentially offers a safer profile without compromising infection defense. The FDA has already granted Orphan Drug Designation to Ruxoprubart for treating PNH, and NovelMed plans to file for Breakthrough Therapy Designation soon.
Patient-Friendly Administration
The regulatory agency has recently approved a once-weekly subcutaneous protocol for Ruxoprubart, allowing for self-administration. This offers a distinct advantage over some competing therapies that require more frequent dosing or intravenous administration.
"We are thrilled to share these data, which demonstrate the potential of Ruxoprubart in advanced PNH, and look forward to working with regulatory authorities to bring this new immunotherapy to this patient community," said Mr. Robert Bard, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at NovelMed. "It's very clear that we are on a promising path with exciting Phase II data in this serious hematological disorder."
Future Development Plans
The Phase II trial follows a successful Phase I study in 40 healthy volunteers, where Ruxoprubart was well-tolerated across all dose levels (0.3 to 20 mg/kg) with no safety concerns.
Beyond PNH, NovelMed is developing Ruxoprubart for several other complement-mediated disorders. The FDA has approved Phase II studies for conditions including Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G), IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV), and Dermatomyositis (DM).
NovelMed is currently seeking partnerships to advance Ruxoprubart's development across these indications and is open to discussions regarding investment, out-licensing, or acquisition opportunities.
