UCB reveals positive new trial data for Cimzia

UCB has announced data from a post-hoc analysis of a clinical trial that further illustrates the positive effects of Cimzia, its therapy for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Results from the Realistic study showed that patients' initial response to treatment was closely correlated with their likelihood of experiencing low levels of disease activity at week 28.

The phase IIIb trial data demonstrates that Cimzia offers a useful level of predictability, which could be helpful for clinicians when selecting an appropriate therapy option for patients.

Dr Catherine Ludwig, medical director for immunology at UCB, said: "In clinical practice, it would be useful to be able to predict as early as possible which patients will or will not respond to treatment in the longer term."

Further analysis of the Realistic trial data showed that the majority of patients responded to Cimzia treatment within 12 weeks.

According to UCB's latest financial results, the drug experiences a 25 percent year-on-year increase in sales during the first quarter of 2013.