FDA APPROVES UPLIZNA® FOR ADULTS WITH GENERALIZED MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
Rhea-AI Summary
Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) announced FDA approval of UPLIZNA (inebilizumab-cdon) on December 11, 2025 for treatment of adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-AChR and anti-MuSK antibody positive.
Approval is supported by the Phase 3 MINT trial showing durable symptom control (MG-ADL difference at Week 26: -4.2 vs -2.2, 1.9-point treatment effect; AChR+ exploratory Week 52 difference: 2.8 points). UPLIZNA is the first CD19-targeted B cell therapy approved for these gMG subtypes, dosed twice yearly after two loading doses. Most common adverse reactions were headache and infusion-related reactions. UPLIZNA is Amgen's third indication after June 2020 and April 2025 approvals.
Positive
- FDA approval on December 11, 2025
- First CD19-targeted therapy approved for AChR+ and MuSK+ gMG
- Twice-yearly maintenance dosing after two loading doses
- MINT trial: 1.9-point MG-ADL treatment effect at Week 26
- AChR+ subgroup: 2.8-point MG-ADL difference at Week 52
- Third regulatory indication for UPLIZNA (prior approvals June 2020, April 2025)
Negative
- Most common adverse reactions were headache and infusion-related reactions
- Steroid taper rates were similar at Week 26 (87.4% UPLIZNA vs 84.6% placebo)
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
AMGN is up 0.63% while large-cap peers show smaller, mixed gains (e.g., GILD 0.79%, SNY 0.49%, GSK 0.87%, PFE 0%). The move appears more company-specific than a broad sector rotation.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-09 | Dividend announcement | Positive | +0.5% | Board declared a Q1 2026 dividend of $2.52 per share. |
| 2025-11-24 | Conference appearance | Neutral | +2.0% | Planned presentation at Citi’s 2025 Global Healthcare Conference. |
| 2025-11-24 | Conference appearance | Neutral | +2.0% | Planned presentation at Evercore ISI HealthCONx healthcare conference. |
| 2025-11-19 | Oncology FDA approval | Positive | -1.9% | Full FDA approval for IMDELLTRA in ES-SCLC after Phase 3 data. |
| 2025-11-04 | Earnings release | Positive | +0.1% | Q3 2025 revenue and EPS growth with reiterated full-year guidance. |
Recent FDA approvals and strong fundamentals have usually seen small positive to modestly negative next-day moves, with one notable divergence on a major oncology approval.
Over the last few months, Amgen has combined solid fundamentals with multiple regulatory milestones. Q3 2025 results showed revenue growth and improved GAAP EPS, followed by a steady dividend declaration of $2.52 per share for Q1 2026. The company secured full FDA approval for IMDELLTRA in ES-SCLC on 2025-11-19, plus prior approvals in colorectal cancer combinations. Conference appearances in late November drew mild positive reactions. Today’s UPLIZNA gMG approval extends this pattern of expanding the immunology/rare disease portfolio.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement expands UPLIZNA’s reach with FDA approval for generalized myasthenia gravis in adults who are anti-AChR and anti-MuSK antibody positive. The decision is backed by Phase 3 MINT data showing MG-ADL benefits and successful steroid tapering for many patients, plus twice-yearly maintenance dosing after loading. In context of prior approvals for NMOSD and IgG4-RD, UPLIZNA has become a multi-indication CD19-targeted therapy. Key metrics to watch include further clinical outcomes and real-world adoption across these indications.
Key Terms
generalized myasthenia gravis medical
cd19-positive b cells medical
phase 3 medical
p<0.0001 technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
UPLIZNA Offers gMG Patients Deep and Durable Symptom Control and Twice-Yearly Dosing*
First and Only CD19-Targeted B Cell Therapy Approved in anti-AChR and anti-MuSK Ab+ gMG
"This approval marks a significant advancement for people living with gMG," said Jay Bradner, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "By selectively targeting CD19-positive B cells, UPLIZNA offers a new approach to treatment that addresses a biological root cause of disease. UPLIZNA is conveniently dosed twice a year and delivers durable efficacy, helping people manage debilitating symptoms that can compromise daily function – including trouble breathing, speaking and seeing."
gMG is a rare, unpredictable, chronic, B-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder that impairs neuromuscular communication and can cause fluctuating muscle weakness.1-3 The disease is thought to be primarily driven by AChR and MuSK autoantibodies, which are produced by CD19+ B cells, particularly plasmablasts and some plasma cells.1-3 Myasthenia gravis impacts approximately 80,000 to 100,000 people in the
The approval of UPLIZNA for gMG is supported by data from the Myasthenia Gravis Inebilizumab Trial (MINT), the largest Phase 3 biologic study to include both AChR+ and MuSK+ patients, and the first to successfully incorporate a steroid taper into its protocol. Patients on steroids at baseline began tapering at Week 4 to reach prednisone 5 mg per day by Week 24. By Week 26,
"UPLIZNA showed strong efficacy at 26 weeks in both AChR+ and MuSK+ patients, with AChR+ patients continuing to improve through 52 weeks in MINT," said Richard J. Nowak, M.D., M.S., global principal investigator and director of the Myasthenia Gravis Clinic at Yale University. "MINT also uniquely required steroid tapering, recognizing that long-term steroid use adds to the overall burden of disease. This approval brings a new first-in-class approach to gMG, expanding treatment options for clinicians and patients."
At Week 26, UPLIZNA demonstrated a 1.9-point difference in the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score compared with placebo (-4.2 vs. -2.2; p<0.0001).6 Benefits in the AChR+ patient subgroup continued through Week 52 – the longest randomized-controlled period for a Phase 3 trial in gMG – with an exploratory analysis of AChR+ patients showing a 2.8-point difference in MG-ADL for UPLIZNA compared with placebo (-4.7 vs. -1.9;
"Managing a rare and chronic illness can mean facing unpredictable relapsing symptoms and demanding treatment schedules," said Samantha Masterson, president and chief executive officer of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. "This approval marks an important milestone, offering durable efficacy and a dosing schedule that provides people living with generalized myasthenia gravis six months of treatment-free time between maintenance doses."
This is the third indication for UPLIZNA, which was previously approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in June 2020, and for the treatment of adult patients with Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in April 2025.
The most common adverse reactions in gMG were headache and infusion-related reactions.7
Amgen is committed to supporting patients with gMG and helping appropriate patients with access to UPLIZNA. Patients and caregivers who need support, tools, or resources can contact Amgen By Your Side.
*After two initial loading doses.
About the Myasthenia Gravis Inebilizumab Trial (MINT)
MINT is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (NCT04524273) designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of UPLIZNA in adults with gMG. The trial enrolled 238 adults with gMG, including 190 patients who are AChR+ and 48 patients who are MuSK+.6
Eligibility criteria at screening and randomization included a Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification of II, III or IV disease, MG-ADL score between 6 and 10 with greater than
The primary endpoint was change from baseline in MG-ADL score at Week 26 in the combined study population.6 Key secondary endpoints included change from baseline in QMG scores in the combined study population; change from baseline in MG-ADL score at Week 26 for the AChR+ cohort and separately the MuSK+ cohort; and change from baseline in QMG score at Week 26 for the AChR+ cohort and separately the MuSK+ cohort.6 MINT also includes an optional three-year open-label treatment period.
Key findings from MINT include:6
Primary Endpoint:
- A 1.9-point difference in the MG-ADL score for UPLIZNA (-4.2) compared to placebo (-2.2) (p<0.0001) at Week 26 for the combined study population.
Key Secondary Endpoints:
- A 2.5-point difference in the QMG score for UPLIZNA (-4.8) compared to placebo (-2.3) (p=0.0002) at Week 26 for the combined treated population.
- A 1.8-point difference in the MG-ADL score for UPLIZNA (-4.2) compared to placebo (-2.4) (p=0.0015) at Week 26 for the AChR+ population.
- A 2.5-point difference in the QMG score for UPLIZNA (-4.4) compared to placebo (-2.0) (p=0.0011) at Week 26 for the AChR+ population.
- A 2.2-point difference in the MG-ADL score for UPLIZNA (-3.9) compared to placebo (-1.7) (p=0.0297) at Week 26 for the MuSK+ population.
- A 2.3-point difference in the QMG score for UPLIZNA (-5.2) compared to placebo (-3.0) (p=0.1326) at Week 26 for the MuSK+ population; this difference was not statistically significant.
Additional Exploratory Endpoints:
- A 2.8-point difference (
95% CI: −3.9 to −1.7) in the MG-ADL score for UPLIZNA (-4.7) compared with placebo (-1.9) at Week 52 for the AChR+ population. - A 4.3-point difference (
95% CI: −5.9 to −2.8) in the QMG score for UPLIZNA (-5.8) compared with placebo (-1.4) at Week 52 for the AChR+ population. 87.4% of UPLIZNA patients and84.6% of those taking placebo reduced their steroid dose to 5 mg or less per day by Week 26.
MG-ADL scale, which assesses the impact of gMG on daily functions of 8 signs or symptoms that are typically affected in gMG. Each item is assessed on a 4-point scale, where a score of 0 represents normal function and a score of 3 represents loss of ability to perform that function. The total MG-ADL score ranges from 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating more impairment.
The QMG score is a 13-item categorical grading system that quantitively measures disease impairment by mainly assessing muscle weakness. Each item is assessed on a 4-point scale where a score of 0 represents no impairment weakness and a score of 3 represents severe impairment weakness. A total possible score ranges from 0 to 39, where higher scores indicate more severe impairment.
About Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)
gMG is a rare, unpredictable, chronic, B-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder that impairs neuromuscular communication and can cause fluctuating muscle weakness, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, and impaired speech and vision.1-3
Approximately
B cells are central to the pathogenesis of gMG. The disease is thought to be primarily driven by AChR and MuSK autoantibodies which are produced by CD19+ B cells, particularly plasmablasts and some plasma cells. These antibodies target and disrupt critical proteins in the neuromuscular junction.1-3
About UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon)
UPLIZNA is a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) that causes targeted and sustained depletion of key cells that contribute to underlying disease process (autoantibody-producing CD19+ B cells, including plasmablasts and some plasma cells). The precise mechanism by which UPLIZNA exerts its therapeutic effects in gMG is unknown. After two initial infusions, patients need one dose of UPLIZNA every six months.
UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon) U.S. INDICATION
INDICATIONS
UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon) is indicated in adult patients for the treatment of: anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD); Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD); anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive (Ab+) generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
UPLIZNA® (inebilizumab-cdon) is contraindicated in patients with a history of a life-threatening infusion reaction to UPLIZNA, active hepatitis B infection, or active or untreated latent tuberculosis.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Infusion Reactions: Infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, somnolence, dyspnea, fever, myalgia, rash, or palpitations. Infusion reactions were observed in
9.3% ,7.4% , and10.1% of patients treated with UPLIZNA during the randomized controlled periods (RCPs) of Study 1 in patients with NMOSD, Study 2 in patients with IgG4-RD, and Study 3 in patients with gMG, respectively. Infusion reactions were most common with the first infusion but were also observed during subsequent infusions.
Administer pre-medication with a corticosteroid, an antihistamine, and an antipyretic. For life-threatening infusion reactions, immediately and permanently stop UPLIZNA and administer appropriate supportive treatment. For less severe infusion reactions, management may involve temporarily stopping the infusion, reducing the infusion rate, and/or administering symptomatic treatment.
- Infections: Serious, including life-threatening or fatal, bacterial, fungal, and new or reactivated viral infections have been observed during and following completion of treatment with B-cell depleting therapies, including UPLIZNA. The most common infections reported by UPLIZNA-treated patients in the NMOSD randomized and open-label clinical trial periods for NMOSD were urinary tract infection (
20% ), nasopharyngitis (13% ), upper respiratory tract infection (8% ), and influenza (7% ). In the IgG4-RD RCP, the most common infections reported by UPLIZNA-treated patients were urinary tract infection, influenza, and pneumonia. In the gMG RCP, the most common infections reported by UPLIZNA-treated patients were urinary tract infection and nasopharyngitis. Delay UPLIZNA administration in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved.
Possible Increased Risk of Immunosuppressant Effects with Other Immunosuppressants: If combining UPLIZNA with another immunosuppressive therapy, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive effects.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Reactivation: HBV reactivation has been observed with B-cell-depleting therapies, including UPLIZNA. Fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death caused by HBV reactivation have occurred in patients treated with B-cell depleting therapies. HBV reactivation was observed in a patient treated with UPLIZNA during the gMG clinical trial and in the postmarketing setting. Patients with active or chronic HBV infection were excluded from clinical trials. Perform HBV screening in all patients before initiation of treatment. Do not administer to patients with active HBV confirmed by positive results for HBsAg and anti-HB tests. For patients who are negative for HBsAg and positive for HBcAb, or who are carriers of HBV (i.e., HBsAg+), consult liver disease experts before starting and during treatment.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): Although no confirmed cases of PML were identified in UPLIZNA clinical trials, JC virus infection resulting in PML has been observed in patients treated with other B-cell-depleting antibodies and other therapies that affect immune competence. In UPLIZNA clinical trials one subject died following the development of new brain lesions for which a definitive diagnosis could not be established, though the differential diagnosis included an atypical NMOSD relapse, PML, or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold UPLIZNA and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. MRI findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes.
Tuberculosis
Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors and tested for latent infection prior to initiating UPLIZNA. Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of UPLIZNA in patients with a history of latent active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Consult infectious disease experts regarding whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate before starting treatment.
Vaccinations
Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of UPLIZNA. The safety of immunization with live or live-attenuated vaccines following UPLIZNA therapy has not been studied, and vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion.
Vaccination of Infants Born to Mothers Treated with UPLIZNA During Pregnancy
In infants of mothers exposed to UPLIZNA during pregnancy, do not administer live or live-attenuated vaccines before confirming recovery of B-cell counts in the infant. Depletion of B cells in these exposed infants may increase the risks from live or live-attenuated vaccines. Non-live vaccines, as indicated, may be administered prior to recovery from B-cell and immunoglobulin level depletion, but consultation with a qualified specialist should be considered to assess whether a protective immune response was mounted.
- Reductions in Immunoglobulins: There may be a progressive and prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia or decline in the levels of total and individual immunoglobulins such as immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM) with continued UPLIZNA treatment. Monitor the levels of quantitative serum immunoglobulins during treatment with UPLIZNA, especially in patients with opportunistic or recurrent infections, and until B-cell repletion after discontinuation of therapy. Consider discontinuing UPLIZNA therapy if a patient with low immunoglobulin G or M develops a serious opportunistic infection or recurrent infections, or if prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia requires treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins.
- Fetal Risk: Based on animal data, UPLIZNA can cause fetal harm due to B-cell lymphopenia and reduce antibody response in offspring exposed to UPLIZNA even after B-cell repletion. Transient peripheral B-cell depletion and lymphocytopenia have been reported in infants born to mothers exposed to other B-cell-depleting antibodies during pregnancy. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving UPLIZNA and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
- The most common adverse reactions (at least
10% of patients treated with UPLIZNA and greater than placebo): urinary tract infection and arthralgia in NMOSD; urinary tract infection and lymphopenia in IgG4-RD; headache and infusion-related reactions in gMG.
Please see UPLIZNA® full Prescribing Information.
About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against some of the world's toughest diseases. More than 40 years ago, Amgen helped to establish the biotechnology industry and remains on the cutting-edge of innovation, using technology and human genetic data to push beyond what's known today. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline that builds on its existing portfolio of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and rare diseases.
In 2024, Amgen was named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and one of "America's Best Large Employers" by Forbes, among other external recognitions. Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average®, and it is also part of the Nasdaq-100 Index®, which includes the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization.
For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow Amgen on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Threads.
Amgen Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements on the outcome, benefits and synergies of collaborations, or potential collaborations, with any other company (including BeOne Medicines Ltd. or Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.), the performance of Otezla® (apremilast), our acquisitions of ChemoCentryx, Inc. or Horizon Therapeutics plc (including the prospective performance and outlook of Horizon's business, performance and opportunities, and any potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected as a result of such acquisition), as well as estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes, effects of pandemics or other widespread health problems on our business, outcomes, progress, and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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