Satralizumab Reduces Exacerbations for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has been associated with elevated IL-6, thought to be a key part of the inflammatory pathogenesis. This industry-sponsored, phase 3, multicenter study tested satralizumab, a non-FDA-approved monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-6 receptor, in 95 patients with NMOSD who were aquaporin-4 (AQP4) positive or negative. Participants were randomized 2:1 to subcutaneous injections of satralizumab or placebo at 0, 2, and 4 weeks and then every 4 weeks until 1.5 years or 44 relapses had occurred.

Risk for relapse was 55% lower with satralizumab (hazard ratio, 0.45). Among the 64 AQP4-positive participants, relapse was reduced by 74% (HR, 0.26). Relapses were not significantly lower with satralizumab th…