Genmab Reports Positive Results in Follicular Lymphoma Trial

Genmab A/S has announced promising results from the Phase 1b/2 EPCORE NHL-2 trial, with high response rates for its treatment regimen. The report reveals significant potential for the company's stock as patient outcomes appear favorable, despite the impact of COVID-19.

Date: 08-12-2024

AI Rating: 7

The report presents noteworthy findings from Genmab A/S (GMAB) regarding its Phase 1b/2 EPCORE NHL-2 trial, focused on treating adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma using epcoritamab in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab.

The results indicate an impressive overall response rate (ORR) of 96 percent among the 111 participants, with a high complete response (CR) rate of 87 percent after a median follow-up of two years. Furthermore, the estimated progression-free survival (PFS) rate stands at 80 percent over 21 months, contributing to a two-year overall survival (OS) rate of 90 percent.

Additional findings show that 89 percent of patients achieving complete response retained their status at the 18-month mark. Given these strong efficacy metrics, it could positively impact Genmab's stock as investors view this as a significant step towards successful oncology treatments.

However, it is critical to note adverse events reported during the study, particularly concerning the COVID-19 pandemic's implications. Specifically, 57 percent of patients reported COVID-19 infection, leading to a 13 percent discontinuation rate of epcoritamab. Severe treatment-emergent adverse events included neutropenia (62 percent) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (51 percent). While most CRS cases were low grade and resolved, the report of fatalities linked to COVID-19 complicates the overall positive narrative.

The presence of both beneficial response metrics and noted adverse events suggests that while the findings are encouraging, investors should weigh the broader context of the pandemic's impact on patient treatment outcomes.

Stocks: GMAB