Dual-acting drug from AbbVie, Genmab scores in frontline lymphoma trial
Genmab and AbbVie's Epkinly, combined with chemotherapy, reduced disease progression or death risk by 51% in a Phase 3 lymphoma trial. The results exceeded expectations and could boost Epkinly's sales. Genmab reported $312M in Epkinly sales in H1 2024, and its shares rose 14% on the news. Epkinly may become the first drug of its kind approved for first-line DLBCL.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The data exceed expectations, showing a 51% relative risk reduction, which could drive near‑term share price appreciation for both companies.
Market read
First‑report Phase 3 oncology data is a high‑impact catalyst for the involved stocks and the broader cancer‑therapy sector.
What to watch
Potential competition from Roche's rival therapy and reimbursement uncertainties.
Background
The article reports first‑time Phase 3 data for Epkinly, a bispecific antibody co‑developed by AbbVie and Genmab, in newly diagnosed diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma.
Ticker impact
AbbVie announced Phase 3 trial data showing its bispecific antibody Epkinly cut risk of progression or death by ~50% in frontline lymphoma.
upward pressure as market prices in the efficacy data
Phase 3 results are a material catalyst; investors will re‑rate the drug's revenue potential.
Genmab reported a 14% jump in its US‑listed shares after the same Phase 3 lymphoma trial data were released.
upward pressure driven by trial readout and sales expectations
The data directly boost the value of Genmab’s co‑development rights and its revenue outlook.
Market effects
Strengthens the oncology biotech sector and bispecific antibody space.
Positive for US biotech equities; modest spillover to European markets where Genmab is also listed.
Highlights the growing importance of immuno‑oncology therapies worldwide.
Counterpoint
If regulatory review is delayed or safety concerns emerge, the rally could be short‑lived.
Key entities
- companyAbbVie
US‑listed biopharma (ticker ABBV) co‑developer of Epkinly.
- companyGenmab
US‑listed biotech (ticker GMAB) co‑owner of Epkinly.
