Inebilizumab for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Inebilizumab is in clinical development for the treatment of adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). NMOSD is a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and damages one’s own spinal cord and optic nerves (nerves in the eyes). Autoantibodies (proteins that attacks own cells) against a cell surface protein found in neural cells called aquaporin-4 (AQP4) bind to AQP4 channels on astrocytes (cells in the brain and spinal cord), resulting in damage to astrocytes and other neural cells, causing nervous system damage. This causes symptoms such as numbness, weakness, bowel and bladder difficulties and vision loss. There is no cure for NMOSD and currently treatment focus on treatment of sudden attacks and symptoms of them, as well as treating relapses (return or worsening of attacks) and preventing them.