Bruce Cree, MD, PhD, MAS: The Future Landscape in NMOSD

“There are a lot of things that one could do [with inebilizumab in NMOSD and disorders], and I hope to see these things move forward.”

In June 2020, the FDA approved Viela Bio’s intravenous agent inebilizumab (Uplizna) for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adults who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive. The decision was based on findings from the largest ever monotherapy study in this population—the N-Momentum study (NCT02200770)—which showed that the risk of NMOSD relapse was reduced by 77% in the treatment group compared with placebo.

As only the second treatment approved for the condition, there is still much work to be done. Additionally, according to the lead investigator of the N-Momentum study, Bruce Cree, MD, PhD, MAS, clinical research director, UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center, and professor of clinical neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, there is plenty still to assess regarding the usefulness of inebilizumab, in NMOSD or related disorders.

In this interview, Cree told NeurologyLive what he anticipates being explored going forward with the agent, as well as what he’s looking forward to in the pipeline of development for NMOSD in general over the next year or so.

REFERENCE

FDA Approves New Therapy for Rare Disease Affecting Optic Nerve, Spinal Cord. News release. FDA. June 11, 2020. Accessed July 13, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-therapy-rare-disease-affecting-optic-nerve-spinal-cord