GlaxoSmithKline begins phase III sirukumab trials

GlaxoSmithKline and partner Janssen Biologics have commenced a phase III trial programme for sirukumab, their new treatment for moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.

Two studies will be carried out to assess the efficacy of the human anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody, which is being jointly developed by the companies under a collaborative agreement signed in December 2011.

The Sirround-T trial will test the drug among patients that have failed to respond to anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy, while the Sirround-D study will assess the therapy among patients that have previously undergone treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

Paul-Peter Tak, senior vice-president for GlaxoSmithKline's immuno-inflammation division, said the commencement of the trial "shows progress in the challenging area of autoimmune diseases and our focus of bringing a promising new therapeutic option to patients living with this debilitating disease".

This comes after the company announced plans to progress its asthma treatment mepolizumab to phase III testing earlier this week.