UCB reports positive data from Cimzia trial for psoriatic arthritis

UCB has published new clinical trial data that demonstrates the benefits Cimzia can offer in terms of treating psoriatic arthritis.

Top-line results have been published from the Rapid-PsA phase III study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the drug among patients with adult onset active psoriatic arthritis, showing clinically relevant and statistically significant improvements.

Based on this data, UCB plans to submit regulatory approvals for Cimzia in this new specification by the end of 2012.

Professor Dr Iris Loew-Friedrich, chief medical officer and executive vice-president of UCB, said: "We shall discuss the study results with the regulatory authorities and present them at upcoming major rheumatology congresses."

Cimzia is currently approved as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in Europe, while it is sold in the US as a Crohn's disease therapy.

The company recently commenced a new long-term rheumatoid arthritis study for the drug, which will assess its performance compared to a leading alternative.