Abbott presents positive data from Humira axial spondyloarthritis trial

Abbott has reported new clinical data from a phase III study of Humira, which demonstrates the drug's efficacy against axial spondyloarthritis.

Data from the Ability-1 trial has shown that Humira is able to deliver statistically significant improvements among patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), when compared to placebo.

More than twice as many patients using Abbott's drug were able to achieve the trial's primary endpoint, as defined by Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society criteria, than those in the control group.

This shows the potential benefits Humira can offer to those affected by axSpA, a debilitating and painful condition for which there are currently limited treatment options.

Dr John Leonard, senior vice-president for pharmaceuticals research and development at Abbott, said: "Humira is one of the most comprehensively studied biologics on the market and Abbott continues to innovate by exploring new treatment arenas."

This comes after the firm published further trial data showing its efficacy against rheumatoid arthritis earlier this week.