AbbVie and Genmab announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 EPCORE DLBCL-2 trial on October 5, 2026, evaluating epcoritamab added to R-CHOP in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The findings support further evaluation of a bispecific antibody alongside frontline chemoimmunotherapy.
DLBCL is an aggressive lymphoma, and although initial treatment can produce lasting remissions, some patients experience relapse or have disease that does not respond adequately. The findings add to efforts to improve outcomes earlier in the treatment course by combining established therapies with approaches that direct the immune system against malignant B cells.
The companies plan to discuss the results with global regulatory authorities as they evaluate the next steps for the investigational combination.
Epcoritamab Plus R-CHOP Improves Progression-Free Survival
In patients with International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores of 2-5, the combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 51% compared with R-CHOP alone. The hazard ratio was 0.49 (95% CI, 0.36-0.67; p<0.0001).
The primary endpoint assessed progression-free survival in patients with IPI scores of 3-5. This group also had a 51% risk reduction, with a hazard ratio of 0.49 (95% CI, 0.35-0.69; p<0.0001). Progression-free survival in the broader IPI 2-5 population was a key secondary endpoint.
Progression-free survival measures time until disease progression or death. The reported risk reduction is relative and does not mean that 51% more patients were cured. Overall survival results were not disclosed.
Trial Design and Treatment Schedule
EPCORE DLBCL-2 is a global, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial. Participants were assigned 2:1 to six cycles of epcoritamab plus R-CHOP followed by two cycles of epcoritamab, or six cycles of R-CHOP followed by two cycles of rituximab.
R-CHOP comprises rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine and prednisone. Eligible diagnoses included DLBCL not otherwise specified and selected other large B-cell lymphoma subtypes.
The results came from the first planned efficacy interim analysis. AbbVie reported that the Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended unblinding the study following the significant benefit.
AbbVie and Genmab Perspectives
Jan van de Winkel, Genmab’s chief executive officer, highlighted that options for newly diagnosed patients remain limited. The companies characterized EPCORE DLBCL-2 as the first Phase 3 bispecific-antibody combination trial to demonstrate a significant progression-free survival improvement in newly diagnosed DLBCL.
Daejin Abidoye, Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Solid Tumor and Hematology, AbbVie, said:
“DLBCL is an aggressive disease and the need to advance treatment options is critical. These positive topline results suggest that epcoritamab combined with R-CHOP could offer a potential new standard of care in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients.”
Abidoye also stated that the findings further strengthen understanding and potential of bispecifics across the lymphoma treatment landscape, as they work to address urgent needs in this patient population.
How Epcoritamab Works
Epcoritamab is a subcutaneously administered bispecific antibody that recognizes CD3 on T cells and CD20 on B cells. By engaging both targets, it brings T cells into contact with CD20-expressing cells and promotes T-cell-mediated killing.
This provides a different mechanism from the chemotherapy components of R-CHOP. Preclinical research published in EBioMedicine demonstrated the antibody’s ability to induce killing of malignant B cells and supported its development for subcutaneous administration. Those laboratory findings provide biological background; they are separate from the newly announced Phase 3 clinical results.
Safety Findings and Next Steps
The companies reported a safety profile consistent with the individual agents. Detailed adverse-event rates, median progression-free survival, and follow-up duration were not provided in the announcements, limiting assessment of the absolute benefit and treatment burden.
AbbVie and Genmab will engage global regulatory authorities and submit the data for presentation at a future medical meeting. Epcoritamab plus R-CHOP remains investigational and is not approved by regulatory authorities.
You can also read: Is Stage 4 DLBCL the Same as Stage 4 Solid Cancer? What It Means for Prognosis.
