UCB announces phase III Cimzia results

UCB has announced the result of phase III clinical trials investigating the use of Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The trial showed that administration of Cimzia in conjunction with methotrexate had a greater effect on preventing structural damage to joints when compared to administration with methotrexate and a placebo following treatment for one year.

In the trial, the compound also exhibited a rapid start to action, with three-quarters of patients achieving ACR 20 response within four weeks.

Cimzia is the first pegylated, Fc-free anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agent aimed at the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Edward Keystone, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, said: “These results are significant. They showed for the first time that the Fc region present in conventional anti-TNFs is not required for activity in rheumatoid arthritis.”

He added that the results of the trial confirmed the possibility that Cimzia could offer a new treatment option for patients with the disease.

Last December, UCB announced that it had received a complete response letter from the US Food and Drug Administration requesting clarification and additional information regarding data submitted by the company relating to approval of Cimzia for the treatment of Crohn’s disease.