UCB reports positive data from Vimpat monotherapy study

UCB has announced positive results of a phase III non-inferiority study designed to compare the efficacy and safety of its epilepsy drug Vimpat to an alternative.

The drug was trialled as a monotherapy in newly or recently diagnosed adult patients with partial-onset seizures and met its primary endpoint for the proportion of patients remaining seizure-free for six consecutive months of treatment.

Vimpat is currently approved as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy in Europe, but is only available as a monotherapy in the US.

UCB plans to submit this new trial data to the European Medicines Agency to gain approval for an extension of the drug's marketing authorisation. This submission is planned in the first half of 2016.

Jeff Wren, patient value head for UCB's neurology unit and executive vice-president of the company, said: "This study suggests that [Vimpat] may provide similar benefits as a first-line monotherapy, building on our commitment on enhancing value for those with seizure disorders at every point in their epilepsy journey."

Vimpat is one of UCB's key drivers of strategic growth for the medium term, alongside Cimzia and Neupro.