GlaxoSmithKline collaboration reaches milestone

A collaboration between GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab has achieved two important milestones in the development of a cancer treatment drug.

A total of 87.2 million Danish kroner (8.7 million pounds) was paid following the treatment of the first patient in a phase two study of ofatumumab.

The drug was administered as a test treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma for the first time in 2007.

A further 87.2 million Danish kroner was paid out following the first patient receiving ofatumumab as a treatment for phase three rheumatoid arthritis, which took place earlier this month.

According to Medical News Today, two separate studies will test the benefits of ofatumumab in reducing clinical symptoms and signs in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

It is expected that around 250 test patients will be involved in each of the two trials.

Genmab’s chief executive officer, Lisa Drakeman, said the initiation of both the lymphoma and arthritis treatment programmes are “a testament to the cooperative spirit” of her company and GlaxoSmithKline, which are co-developing the drug.