Biotechnology company Biogen Idec today announced disappointing results from its phase 3 trial of dexpramipexole, an experimental drug the company has been developing to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
"The trial did not meet its primary endpoint, a joint rank analysis of function and survival,"Biogen's Jan. 3, 2013, press release says. The release continues: "The trial also failed to show efficacy in its key secondary endpoints. Additional analyses of multiple subpopulations failed to demonstrate any efficacy among these groups. Based on these results, Biogen Idec will discontinue development of dexpramipexole in ALS."
Phase 2 results had been promising
The results are especially disappointing because the drug had shown encouraging results in a phase 2 trial, for which results were announced in November 2011. In that trial, dexpramipexole showed dose-related slowing of functional decline and extension of survival time.
The drug, a molecular mirror image of a drug called Mirapex, used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, had demonstrated neuroprotective properties in laboratory studies. It appeared to improve the function of the mitochondria, or cellular energy "factories."
The phase 3 trial— known as EMPOWER— enrolled 943 people with ALS at 81 sites in 11 countries and compared dexpramipexole to a placebo. It evaluated trial participants on a rating scale known as the Combined Assessment of Function and Survival (CAFS). In addition to the CAFS, investigators individually evaluated functional decline, survival and respiratory decline.
ALS research — a team effort
"This is certainly a disappointing result for a trial about which expectations were high," said neurologist Valerie Cwik, MDA's executive vice president of research and medical director, "but MDA commends Biogen Idec and Knopp Biosciences, the original developer of dexpramipexole, for making this enormous investment in ALS research. Many MDA-associated physicians were among the investigators who dedicated tireless efforts throughout these studies. Most importantly, clinical research — and these trials in particular — would not be possible without the involvement and commitment of individuals affected by ALS.
"ALS has proved a very complicated disease, which only strengthens MDA’s resolve to leave no stone unturned when seeking effective therapies. Today’s news signifies a setback, but fortunately, numerous trials of ALS therapeutic agents continue, and we are committed to our unparalleled support of a robust research pipeline."
In addition to today's press release, Biogen Idec offered the following answers to questions about the EMPOWER trial.
Patient Advocacy Organization EMPOWER Q&A
Q: What are the EMPOWER results?
A: EMPOWER did not meet its primary endpoint, a joint rank analysis of function and survival, and no efficacy was seen in the individual components of function or survival. The trial also failed to show efficacy in its key secondary endpoints. Additional analyses of multiple subpopulations failed to demonstrate any efficacy among these groups.
Q: What is EMPOWER?
A: EMPOWER was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial which enrolled 943 people with ALS at 81 sites in 11 countries. Patients were randomized on a one-to-one basis to receive either dexpramipexole or placebo. The primary endpoint was a joint rank analysis of function and survival, known as the Combined Assessment of Function and Survival (CAFS). In addition to CAFS, the trial individually evaluated functional decline, survival and respiratory decline among other measures.
The trial enrolled 943 people with either sporadic or familial ALS and symptom onset within 24 months of randomization. Patients from 81 study sites in 11 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States) were followed for up to 18 months.
Q: What happens now?
A: We share the disappointment of the ALS community, who had hoped that dexpramipexole would offer a meaningful new treatment option. Nevertheless, the EMPOWER trial represents a significant contribution to ALS research as it created a robust research database and established a new endpoint for ALS trials.
Based on these data, Biogen Idec will discontinue further development of dexpramipexole in ALS and work with investigators to appropriately and sensitively end the ENVISION extension trial.
Biogen Idec intends to present detailed EMPOWER results at a future medical conference.
Q: Is Biogen Idec going to continue its work in ALS?
A: Biogen Idec is committed to advancing ALS science, and is working with researchers around the world to further understand the causes of ALS and find potential new treatments for people with ALS. The company has many ongoing R&D [research and development] programs and active collaborations, including:
Q: Is there someone I can talk to for more information about dexpramipexole, EMPOWER or Biogen Idec’s work in ALS?
A: Information about EMPOWER, dexpramipexole and Biogen Idec’s commitment to ALS is available by calling (877) 312-9676 or (919) 993-7311 in the U.S., or +44 1932 824112 outside of the U.S.