Janssen reports positive Crohn’s disease data for Stelara

Janssen has announced new clinical data showing the strong clinical response and remission rates associated with Stelara in the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Data from a phase III clinical study showed that the drug was effective among adult patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease who had previously failed or were intolerant to one or more anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha therapies.

The UNITI-1 study included 741 people with Crohn's disease and achieved its primary endpoint by showing Stelara's superior performance when compared with a placebo group after six weeks.

This comes after data from the UNITI-2 trial demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Stelara in patients who had previously failed conventional therapy.

Dr Newman Yeilding, head of immunology development for Janssen Research and Development, said: "Janssen Immunology remains committed to the continued development of ustekinumab and the discovery of innovative medicines for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases."

The firm applied for EU and US regulatory approval of Stelara for Crohn's disease in December 2015.