Safety and Efficacy of Daratumumab in Patients With Anti-Aquaporin 4 Antibody Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

The objectives of this time-to-event study are to assess the efficacy and safety of Daratumumab as compared with placebo in participants with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive. NMOSD is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that predominantly affects the spinal cord, optic nerves, and area postrema. It is usually mediated by the pathogenic AQP4-IgG. Antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) have been recognized as essential sources of AQP4-IgG. CD38 is a glycoprotein that is highly expressed on ASCs. Daratumumab, a CD38-directed monoclonal antibody, has been shown to decrease the levels of autoantibodies in lupus, myasthenia gravis, or autoimmune encephalitis. This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of daratumumab in NMOSD.