Lilly and Incyte report positive trial data for arthritis drug baricitinib

Lilly and Incyte have reported positive new data from a fourth successful phase III clinical trial of baricitinib, their new rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

Data from the pivotal phase III study RA-BEAM showed the drug demonstrated statistical superiority for the investigational therapy compared to an established alternative after 12 weeks, based on several critical measures of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.

Improvements in the mean number of swollen and tender joints and a reduction in pain were seen as early as one week for baricitinib compared to placebo, with the drug delivering significant improvements in reducing the number of tender and swollen joints and pain, improving physical function and addressing morning joint stiffness.

Dr William Macias, distinguished medical fellow and global brand development leader at Lilly Bio-Medicines, said: "This is the first phase III study showing that a once-daily oral treatment significantly improved clinical outcomes compared with injectable adalimumab for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who were also receiving treatment with methotrexate."

These findings mean the primary objective of demonstrating superior response rates compared to placebo after 12 weeks of treatment was met.