Amgen to Showcase Rheumatology Research at EULAR 2024

Amgen, a prominent biotechnology firm, presented key findings at the 2024 Congress of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) held in Vienna from June 12-15. The conference highlighted Amgen's extensive research and developments in treating inflammatory and rheumatic diseases. The company showcased 27 abstracts, demonstrating their commitment to advancing patient care through innovative treatments.

One notable presentation focused on the efficacy of dazodalibep in treating Sjögren's disease. Dazodalibep, an anti-CD40L, showed significant improvements in reducing disease activity and biomarkers associated with Sjögren's. This aligns with findings from the MIDORA phase 2 study, where the drug reduced swollen and tender joint counts in patients with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis.

Amgen also unveiled data from a post-hoc analysis of the MIRROR trial, which evaluated the combination of KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) and methotrexate in treating uncontrolled gout. Results indicated that the combination therapy improved treatment outcomes, providing hope for patients who do not respond to conventional gout therapies. Furthermore, the study highlighted potential quality-of-life improvements for patients with severe gout conditions.

Jay Bradner, M.D., Amgen’s executive vice president of Research and Development, emphasized the company's dedication to improving patient outcomes through rigorous scientific research. Bradner highlighted that these advancements not only enhance the understanding of complex diseases but also pave the way for more effective treatments.

Additional presentations at EULAR included long-term data from the FOREMOST study of Otezla® (apremilast), which showed improvements in clinical and patient-reported outcomes for early oligoarticular psoriatic arthritis over 48 weeks. Another study compared TAVNEOS® (avacopan) with prednisone taper in patients with severe ANCA-associated vasculitis, specifically those with ear, nose, or throat manifestations.

Key abstracts covered various aspects of Amgen's portfolio. For instance, dazodalibep's impact on Sjögren's disease included significant reductions in proteins linked to B-, T-, and dendritic cells. Another abstract discussed the global burden of Sjögren's disease, providing a comprehensive overview of its humanistic and clinical outcomes.

KRYSTEXXA® was featured in several studies, highlighting its role in achieving gout remission, reducing systemic inflammation biomarkers, and improving the quality of life for patients with uncontrolled gout. One study explored the cardiovascular and psychological issues in patients with controlled versus uncontrolled gout, underscoring the systemic nature of the disease.

The discussions on Otezla® (apremilast) included its effectiveness in reducing axial inflammation in psoriatic arthritis, as assessed by MRI, and real-world data from the Netherlands. Data from the Phase 4 MOSAIC study revealed that apremilast reduces inflammation and improves patient-reported outcomes.

Moreover, Prolia® (denosumab) was examined for its effectiveness compared to bisphosphonates in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, based on U.S. Medicare data. The studies aimed to evaluate long-term fracture risks and the comparative benefits of different osteoporosis treatments.

TAVNEOS® (avacopan) was discussed in the context of ANCA-associated vasculitis, showcasing its effectiveness beyond 52 weeks in the Early Access Program. The drug's mechanism involves blocking the complement 5a receptor (C5aR), potentially reducing neutrophil activation and migration, crucial for treating this autoimmune condition.

In summary, Amgen's presentations at EULAR 2024 underscored their ongoing commitment to developing novel treatments for inflammatory diseases. The extensive data provided insights into the efficacy and safety of various therapies, offering hope for improved patient outcomes. These findings reinforce Amgen's position at the forefront of biotechnological innovation in rheumatology.