UCB trial data underlines benefits of Cimzia

UCB has published further clinical trial data to support the benefits offered by its drug Cimzia in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Data from a post hoc analysis of the Rapid 2 clinical study has demonstrated the PEGylated anti-TNF therapy's efficacy in providing sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in wide-ranging patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

After 24 weeks, significantly more patients trialled with a combination of Cimzia and methotrexate experienced improvements in terms of pain, fatigue and quality of life than those using placebo.

It was also observed that subjects who had achieved a response to treatment by week 12 had a greater chance of achieving long-term outcomes than those who did not.

Lead investigator Dr Vibeke Strand of Stanford University, California, said: "By assessing patient-reported outcomes at early stages of treatment we are able to predict late-stage clinical outcomes and treatment benefits for patients, providing great reassurance to both patients and their healthcare professionals."

Last month, UCB highlighted data from two phase III trials showing how Cimzia can help patients to work more effectively, as well as participate more freely in leisure activities.