Why it matters: Epcoritamab is already approved in later-line lymphoma settings. A positive phase 3 result in patients after at least one prior treatment could help Genmab and AbbVie move the bispecific antibody earlier in relapsed or refractory DLBCL.
Zoom in: The trial compared epcoritamab plus lenalidomide with the chemoimmunotherapy regimen R-GemOx.
- Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug that can stimulate T-cell and NK-cell activity, making it a biologically attractive partner for epcoritamab, a CD3xCD20 bispecific antibody that relies on immune-cell engagement.
- The study met its primary endpoint, cutting the risk of disease progression or death by 60%, while the safety profile was described as consistent with the known profiles of the two drugs.
- The study focused on patients who had relapsed after prior therapy or could not receive stem-cell transplantation or CAR-T therapy. In these patients, R-GemOx remains a commonly used chemoimmunotherapy regimen.
Backstory: The readout follows a phase 3 setback earlier this year. In January, epcoritamab monotherapy improved progression-free survival in relapsed/refractory DLBCL but failed to show a statistically significant overall survival benefit, sending Genmab’s US-listed shares down more than 7%.
What we’re watching: Genmab and AbbVie said they will engage with global regulators and present the full EPCORE DLBCL-4 results at a future medical meeting. The current announcement includes topline results only.
Market reaction: Genmab shares rose around 7% after the company announced the positive phase 3 results before closing up 4.5% at DKK 1,795 (€240.15)
What they’re saying: “With each new combination and treatment setting, we are building on our vision for epcoritamab as a core therapy across B-cell malignancies,” said Genmab CEO Jan van de Winkel.
The bottom line: The phase 3 win gives Genmab and AbbVie a strong case for moving epcoritamab earlier in relapsed DLBCL, but the full data will determine how far the chemotherapy-free combination can go.
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