UCB begins phase III testing of lupus drug

UCB has announced the commencement of its phase III trial programme for epratuzumab, a developmental treatment for moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus.

The company has enrolled its first patient for Embody 1, the first of two key clinical studies to be conducted using the drug, while recruitment for the Embody 2 trial is also underway.

Both trials are placebo-controlled double-blind studies intended to collate data on the safety, efficacy, tolerability and immunogenicity profile of the therapy.

The phase III trial programme is being launched following positive findings from phase IIb studies, in which epratuzumab was shown to provide superior performance to placebo after 12 weeks.

Professor Dr Iris Loew-Friedrich, chief medical officer of UCB, said: "We are pleased to announce the launch of our phase III programme with epratuzumab, which marks UCB's intent to develop this compound for such a severe disease."

UCB also announced this week that it is selling manufacturing businesses in Germany and Italy to Aesica as part of a move to optimise the performance of its global network.