The ExTINGUISH Trial of Inebilizumab in NMDAR Encephalitis

Inclusion Criteria 1. Diagnosis of NMDAR encephalitis, defined by both a and b: 1. A subacute onset of change in mental status consistent with autoimmune encephalitis, 2. A positive cell-based assay for anti-NMDA receptor IgG antibody in the CSF confirmed in study-specified laboratories. 2. Participants, ≥ 12 years of age at the time of informed consent. Participants under 18 years of age must weigh ≥40 kilograms. 3. Written informed consent and any locally required authorization (e.g., Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act \[HIPAA\] in the United States of America \[USA\], European Union \[EU\] Data Privacy Directive in the EU) obtained from the participant/legal representative prior to performing any protocol-related procedures, including screening evaluations. 4. Non-sterilized participants who are sexually active with a partner capable of becoming pregnant must use a condom with spermicide from Day 1 through to the end of the study and must agree to continue using such precautions for at least 6 months after the final dose of IP. A recommendation will be made that the partners (capable of becoming pregnant) of study participants (capable of getting their partner pregnant) should use a highly effective method of contraception other than a physical method. Participants of childbearing potential who are sexually active with a non-sterilized partner capable of getting their partner pregnant must agree to use a highly effective method of contraception beginning at screening or upon discharge from hospitalization/inpatient rehabilitation (for participants who were incapacitated at the time of screening), and to continue precautions for 12 months after the final dose of IP. 1. Participants of childbearing potential are defined as those who are not surgically sterile (e.g., bilateral tubal ligation, bilateral oophorectomy, or complete hysterectomy) or those who are not postmenopausal (per ICH M3 (R2) 11.2: defined as 12 months with no menses without an alternative medical cause). 2. A highly effective method of contraception is defined as one that results in a low failure rate (i.e., less than 1% per year) when used consistently and correctly. Periodic abstinence, the rhythm method, and the withdrawal method do not qualify as "highly effective" or acceptable methods of contraception for study purposes. Acceptable methods of contraception are listed in the table below: Physical Methods Hormonal Methods e • Intrauterine device (IUD) • Intrauterine hormone-releasing system, also known as drug-eluting IUD a • Bilateral tubal occlusion • Vasectomized partner b • Sexual abstinence c • Combined (estrogen and progestogen-containing hormonal contraception) * Oral (combined pill) * Injectable * Transdermal (patch) * Progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation d * Implantable * Intravaginal a This is also considered to be a hormonal method. b With appropriate post-vasectomy documentation of surgical success (absence of sperm in ejaculate). c Sexual abstinence is considered to be a highly effective method only if defined as refraining from heterosexual intercourse during the entire period of the study and if it is the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant. d Progestogen-only hormonal contraception, where inhibition of ovulation is not the primary mode of action (minipill) is not accepted as a highly effective method. e These methods are only considered highly effective and therefore acceptable when used in conjunction with a barrier method (i.e., diaphragm with spermicide, sponge with spermicide, cervical cap with spermicide, condoms, spermicide alone.) 5. Willing to forgo other immunomodulatory therapies (investigational or otherwise) for NMDAR encephalitis during the study. 6. Participant must have received at least 3 days of methylprednisolone 1000 mg IV or equivalent corticosteroid within 90 days prior to randomization (Day 1). In addition, participants must have received EITHER of the following treatments within 90 days before randomization. 1. IVIg, at a dose range between 1.2 and 2 g/kg 2. Plasma exchange or plasmapheresis, (defined as 5 to 6 exchanges). NOTE: These treatments may be provided during the screening period but must be completed prior to randomization. Participants who receive methylprednisolone and BOTH IVIg and plasma exchange are not excluded from participating in the trial, however, this treatment course with both IVIg and plasma exchange is not encouraged, and enrollment and randomization should not be delayed in order to complete additional first line treatments. 7. Modified Rankin Score of ≥3 at the screening visit, indicating at least moderate disability. The baseline mRS must be confirmed by Site Investigators at screening and confirmed / adjudicated before randomization. 8. Ability and willingness to attend study visits and complete the study. \*All inclusion criteria must be met during the screening period, prior to randomization, except where noted. Exclusion Criteria Any of the following excludes an individual from participation in the study: 1. Any condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would interfere with the evaluation or administration of the IP, interpretation of participant safety or study results, or would make participation in the study an unacceptable risk. This specifically includes recent history (last 5 years) of herpes simplex virus encephalitis or known central nervous system demyelinating disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis). 2. Presence of an active or chronic infection that is serious in the opinion of the Investigator. 3. History of solid organ or cell-based transplantation. <!-- --> 1. Concurrent/previous enrollment in another clinical study involving an investigational treatment within 4 weeks or 5 published half-lives of the investigational treatme