GlaxoSmithKline reports positive data from rheumatoid arthritis drug trial

GlaxoSmithKline has announced new clinical trial data showing the effectiveness of sirukumab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Data from the pivotal global phase III study SIRROUND-D has underlined the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous sirukumab, a human anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody, in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.

The drug was able to meet both co-primary endpoints in the trial, with joint destruction shown to be significantly lower among sirukumab-treated patients compared to placebo, while signs and symptoms of the disease also improved.

GlaxoSmithKline remains on track to submit regulatory applications for the drug in the third quarter of 2016.

Paul-Peter Tak, GlaxoSmithKline's chief immunology officer and senior vice-president of its research and development pipeline, said: "This study showed that sirukumab inhibited the progression of joint damage and improved the signs and symptoms of disease, disability and quality of life measures."

Results from this trial were presented by the company at the annual European Congress of Rheumatology in London this week.