UCB highlights Cimzia as ‘important new option’ for RA patients

UCB has highlighted that its new anti-TNF (Tumour Necrosis Factor) Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) could provide an “important new option” for people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Olav Hellebo, president of Inflammation Operations for UCB, made the comments after the US Food and Drug Administration accepted for filing and review, a biologics licence application (BLA) for Cimzia for the treatment of adult patients with active RA.

The BLA is based on a phase III trial which was recently presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s Annual Scientific Meeting.

The studies demonstrated that Cimzia, when given with methotrexate, was significantly more effective than methotrexate alone for the inhibition of joint damage progression in patients with active RA as early as 24 weeks.

Cimzia was also shown to rapidly reduce the signs and symptoms of active RA as well improving physical function and quality of life measures for up to one year.

UCB is currently preparing the submission of a Marketing Authorisation Application to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) with the company expecting it to be filed in the first half of this year.

Last year, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the EMEA issued a negative opinion relating to the marketing authorisation of Cimzia as a treatment for patients suffering from Crohn’s disease.