Genetech disappointed with kidney drug trial outcome

Genetech is disappointed that its phase III trial of a drug to aid kidney health did not achieve the desired results, it has stated.

The company conducted the study in collaboration with Biogen of Rituxan (rituximab) plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids in patients with lupus nephritis.

At the end of the 52-week trial, the treatment had not met its primary endpoint of significantly reducing disease activity. However, it did not reveal any new or unexpected safety signals in patients receiving it.

Lupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidney and a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, which can lead to kidney failure in the most severe cases.

Hal Barron, senior vice-president, development and chief medical officer of Genetech, commented: “Using the insights from this study, we will continue to look for new approaches to the treatment of lupus.”

In other news, the company has signed a merger agreement with Roche. Under the terms and conditions of the deal, the latter will acquire the outstanding publicly held interest in the former for a total payment of around $46.8 billion (33.7 billion pounds).