UCB study shows benefits of early use of Cimzia

UCB has announced new clinical trial findings that show how its drug Cimzia can offer benefits as an early intervention for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

The phase III C-EARLY trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cimzia in combination with optimised methotrexate for the treatment of adult patients with early, active rheumatoid arthritis who had not yet been treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

It was found that the therapy was able to deliver sustained remission and low disease activity in this at-risk patient population, with greater improvements in signs and symptoms such as physical function and inhibition of structural damage than using methotrexate alone.

Additionally, secondary results showed that patients treated with Cimiza had greater improvements in pain, disease activity, fatigue and health-related quality of life, plus improved workplace and household productivity, and reduced need for assistance with regular activities.

Lead study author Paul Emery, professor of rheumatology at the University of Leeds, said: "These findings demonstrate the importance of quickly identifying rheumatoid arthritis patients who will benefit from concomitant therapy following rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis."

UCB will be filing for regulatory approval of the drug in this indication based on these findings.