Lilly and Incyte report positive results from new arthritis drug trial

Lilly and Incyte have announced positive topline results from a new trial of baricitinib, their new rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

RA-BEAM is the fourth successful phase III study of the investigational medicine, designed for patients with moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. It met its primary objective of demonstrating superior response rates compared to placebo after 12 weeks of treatment.

Following 24 weeks of treatment, baricitinib was also shown to be superior to placebo in preventing progressive radiographic structural joint damage. These treatment benefits were maintained through 52 weeks of therapy.

This study came as part of a larger phase III programme assessing more than 3,000 rheumatoid arthritis patients at various points in the treatment continuum.

David Ricks, Lilly's senior vice-president and president of Lilly Bio-Medicines, said: "RA-BEAM is the first study to demonstrate that a once-daily oral treatment was superior in improving signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis compared to the current injectable standard of care."

Detailed findings from the study will be showcased at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals in 2015 and 2016.