Imlifidase rapidly improves mobility, muscle strength in Guillain-Barré syndrome

Results from a phase 2 clinical trial showed that treatment with an IgG-cleaving enzyme for individuals diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome led to faster muscle strength recovery and mobility.

Manufacturer Hansa Biopharma said in a press release that imlifidase was investigated in the 15-HMedIdeS-09 study, in which patients with a severe form of the rare, neurologic condition were administered a single, 0.25 mg/kg dose of the therapy plus IV immunoglobulin.

Treatment with the combination resulted in both rapid recovery of muscle strength, as well as a quicker time to independent mobility and a faster median time for independently walking as measured by a score of two or less on the Guillain-Barré Syndrome Disability Scale at 16 days, the company said in the release.

According to statistics cited in the release from a comparison of indirect treatment within the 15-HMedIdeS-09 study, those given imlifidase concurrently with IVIg returned to independent mobility 6 weeks faster than counterparts from the International Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outcome Study treated with IVIg.

“The main goal of improved [Guillain-Barré] treatments is to stop nerve damage early, reducing the time of hospitalization and support patients in regaining independence sooner,” Hitto Kaufmann, chief research and development officer at Hansa Biopharma, said in the release. “These findings underscore the role pathogenic IgG plays in severity and progression of [Guillain-Barré syndrome] and the clear potential of imlifidase to address unmet need.”