Janssen highlights positive data from phase III Simponi trial

Janssen has reported data from a phase III clinical trial that demonstrates the benefits of the drug Simponi.

One-year study results from the Pursuit trial showed that significantly more patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who responded to induction therapy with subcutaneously administered Simponi maintained clinical response through week 54.

It means that the drug was able to meet its primary efficacy endpoint goal in the study, while positive data on secondary endpoints such as clinical remission and mucosal healing were also noted.

Dr William Sandborn, professor and chief of the division of gastroenterology at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, said: "Findings from this rigorous clinical program showed patients who responded to Simponi induction therapy … achieved clinical remission and mucosal healing, important measures of disease activity in the treatment of moderately to severely active UC."

Earlier this month, Janssen reported positive data from a phase III trial called Canvas, which demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the type 2 diabetes therapy canagliflozin.