Abbott reports positive data from Zemplar comparison trial

Abbott has published positive data from a new head-to-head clinical study that demonstrates the efficacy of its drug Zemplar in treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients on kidney dialysis.

The treatment was compared to a leading alternative drug plus low-dose vitamin D during the phase IV trial, which investigated 272 patients over a 28-week schedule.

It revealed that significantly more patients in the intravenous Zemplar group achieved their treatment goal than those using the other treatment, while benefits were also observed for Zemplar's oral indication, though these were not deemed statistically significant.

Dr Samina Kahn, medical director for Abbott, said: "Abbott is pleased with the results of this study, which underscore our commitment to patients by making continued contributions to advancing the scientific and clinical understanding of the treatment of kidney disease."

Last month, the company received a recommendation from the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for approval of a new indication for its drug Humira, based on positive clinical trial data.