Genmab A/S: Genmab Announces Epcoritamab Monotherapy and Epcoritamab-Based Combination Regimens Demonstrate High Response Rates in Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Genmab A/S has unveiled compelling new data at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2026 Congress, demonstrating high response rates for its bispecific antibody, epcoritamab, in elderly patients with newly diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). Results from the Phase 2 EPCOREDLBCL-3 trial showed a 67% Overall Response Rate (ORR) and a 58% Complete Response (CR) rate with epcoritamab monotherapy in this particularly vulnerable patient group. Concurrently, data from the Phase 1b/2 EPCORE NHL-2 trial highlighted an impressive 93% ORR and 86% CR rate for epcoritamab in combination with R-mini-CHOP, signalling a potential paradigm shift for first-line treatment in a population often unable to tolerate intensive standard chemotherapy. The significance of these findings cannot be overstated given the persistent challenges in treating elderly DLBCL patients. Traditional anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens, while effective for younger, fitter individuals, often present unacceptable toxicity for older adults with comorbidities, leading to suboptimal outcomes and reduced quality of life. Epcoritamab, already approved by the FDA in May 2023 for relapsed/refractory DLBCL and for follicular lymphoma in November 2025, represents a targeted immunotherapeutic approach. Its mechanism as a T-cell engager, redirecting the body's own immune cells to destroy cancer cells, offers a much-needed alternative. This expansion into first-line treatment for a high-unmet-need population underscores Genmab's strategic push, in collaboration with AbbVie, to establish epcoritamab as a foundational therapy across B-cell malignancies. With these robust Phase 2 results, Genmab and AbbVie are expected to engage regulatory authorities swiftly, likely pursuing an accelerated approval pathway given the significant unmet medical need for elderly, newly diagnosed DLBCL patients. While confirmatory Phase 3 trials would typically follow, the urgency in oncology for such a challenging demographic could expedite review. Investors and clinicians will be closely watching for further developments, including anticipated results from other ongoing Phase 3 trials like EPCORE DLBCL-2 and EPCORE DLBCL-4 later in 2026, which are evaluating epcoritamab in various combination regimens for earlier lines of therapy. The ultimate goal: redefine the standard of care, offering more effective and tolerable options for those who need them most.