Shire reports positive findings from Gaucher disease drug trial

Shire has attended a recent medical conference to publish positive new data for Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa), its new therapy for type 1 Gaucher disease.

At the 2010 annual American Society of Human Genetics meeting, the pharmaceutical company reported phase III clinical results showing that Vpriv has been proven to be non-inferior to imiglucerase in treating the genetic condition.

After trialling the drug over nine months, it was shown to deliver improvements in haemoglobin concentration levels, as well as in platelet counts, plasma biomarkers and spleen and liver volume.

Shire states that its phase III trial programme for Vrpiv represents the most comprehensive ever conducted for type 1 Gaucher disease.

Dr Gregory Pastores, associate professor of neurology and paediatrics at the NYU School of Medicine in New York, added: "The reported lack of antibodies to infused velaglucerase alfa in these studies, both in naive and switch patients, is reassuring to patients and their physicians alike."

Last month, Shire posted new clinical data which supports the efficacy of its treatment Vyvanse as an adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder.