The phase III trial is a randomized double-blind,
placebo-controlled 10-weeks study evaluating
efficacy and safety of flexible dose vortioxetine (10-
20mg) in MDD in adolescents 12-17 years old with
First-Patient-First-Visit planned for Q4 2025.
In August, 2024, based on the development program,
Lundbeck and Takeda received positive opinion from
the Pharmaceutical Affairs Council Committee on
Drug I (Bukai) of MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labour and
Welfare), that vortioxetine was granted a two-year
extension until 2029 of the re-examination period for
the adult indication in MDD, meaning that vortioxetine
LoE in Japan will be extended by two years. This
extension is unrelated to the phase III trial outcome.
Protein aggregation, folding and clearance
amlenetug (Lu AF82422) – phase II
Amlenetug is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting
the pathological form of the protein alpha-synuclein
that is believed to play a pivotal role in the
development and progression of neurodegenerative
diseases such as multiple system atrophy (MSA),
Parkinson’s disease (PD), and other
synucleinopathies. By targeting pathological alpha-
synuclein with an antibody that will inhibit aggregation
and potentially clear pathological alpha-synuclein
from the brain, the project aims to demonstrate delay
of disease progression and therapeutic effect on
disease burden and function. A phase II randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory proof-
of-concept (PoC) trial (AMULET) testing amlenetug in
MSA patients was initiated in November 2021
(NCT05104476) in the U.S. and Japan.
In January 2024, Lundbeck announced results of the
AMULET PoC trial. The trial included 61 MSA patients
randomized 2:1 (40 on amlenetug versus 21 on
placebo) and treated for 48-72 weeks. The primary
endpoint in the trial measured slowing of progression
of MSA as measured by Unified Multiple System
Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) Total Score Part I and
II, while the key secondary endpoints included
Modified UMSARS Part I as well as several other
clinical outcome measures and biomarkers. The
primary statistical approach consisted of a Bayesian
slope analysis. While the trial did not reach statistical
significance on its primary endpoint, a trend towards
slowing MSA disease progression was observed in the
group exposed to amlenetug compared to the placebo
group, and additional signals of efficacy were
observed across other clinical and biomarker
endpoints. Amlenetug was generally well tolerated.
Lundbeck plans to initiate a phase III study around
year-end 2024.
Orphan drug designation for MSA was granted by EMA
in April 2021 and SAKIGAKE pioneering drug
designation was granted by the Japanese Health
Authorities in March 2023. In April 2024, Lundbeck also
obtained orphan drug designation for the amlenetug in
MSA by the FDA.
Neuroimmunology/Neuroinflammation
Lu AG22515 – Phase Ib
Lu AG22515 is a CD40L/serum-albumin bispecific
antibody-fragment that blocks the CD40L/CD40
pathway through direct neutralization of CD40L,
thereby affecting adaptive and innate immune
responses. Furthermore, Lu AG22515 is a promising
therapeutic candidate being developed under a
licensing and collaboration agreement between
Lundbeck and AprilBio Co., Ltd. It is a differentiated
anti-CD40L blocker fusion-protein, which exhibits high
potency, an extended half-life due to its SAFA
technology, and an improved safety profile. By
targeting the CD40L pathway, which is involved in the
activation of complex T-cell mediated autoimmune
responses, Lu AG22515 represents a novel approach
in the treatment landscape of TED and has potential in
a range of neuro-immunological diseases.
Lundbeck has initiated a phase IB trial to assess the
efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Lu AG22515 as a
potential treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease, an
autoimmune disease causing a debilitating,
disfiguring, and potentially blinding periocular
condition. The phase IB trial is planned to enroll 19
patients.
2.10 SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE
Lundbeck’s sustainability strategy aims to ensure that
we mitigate our most significant sustainability risks
and adverse impacts, while acting on the opportunities
to make a positive impact on the environment, patients
and the communities where we operate.
In this sustainability update, progress is presented for
Environmental, Social and Governance matters
supported by key performance metrics.