Roche and Genentech report positive hives drug trial data

Roche and Genentech have reported data from a phase III trial of omalizumab, their new therapy for moderate to severe chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Results from the Asteria II study showed that the drug significantly reduced disease severity among patients who had previously failed treatment with approved H1 antihistamine doses.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a skin condition characterised by red, swollen, itchy hives on the skin and can be identified when hives spontaneously present and re-occur for more than six weeks.

The companies plan to file a supplemental biologics license application for the drug with the US Food and Drug Administration in this indication later this year.

Dr Hal Barron, chief medical officer and head of global product development at Roche, said: "We look forward to sharing the results of two additional phase III omalizumab CIU studies at upcoming medical meetings this year."

Earlier this month, Roche announced a new research alliance with Chiasma on the development of a promising new therapy for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours.