Merck Sharp and Dohme reports positive arthritis trial data for Simponi

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced new clinical trial data that demonstrates the effectiveness of Simponi as a treatment for axial spondyloarthritis.

The company has reported findings from the GO-AHEAD study, showing that patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis treated with injections of Simponi had significantly greater improvements in disease activity and inflammation than patients treated with placebo.

A regimen consisting of a 50 mg Simponi every four weeks for 16 weeks was also shown to be well-tolerated and generally had a favorable benefit-risk profile.

Janssen, which is supporting the development of the drug, has announced that a type II variation has been filed with the European Medicines Agency seeking approval of golimumab for this new indication, based on data from this trial.

Dr Paul Robinson, medical director at Merck Sharp and Dohme UK, said: "These results show the value of golimumab in managing the disease activity and inflammation in patients with this debilitating disease, enabling them to function better in their day-to-day activities."

This comes after the firm reported trial data earlier this month showing how its cholesterol therapy Vytorin can improve cardiovascular outcomes.