UCB commences new head-to-head Cimzia study

UCB has commenced a new clinical study of its rheumatoid arthritis drug Cimzia that will compare it to a leading alternative.

The head-to-head Exxelerate trial will assess the long and short-term efficacy both of UCB's drug and the competing product in combination with methotrexate, with around 900 patients affected by moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis set to be enrolled.

Both drugs are clinically proven anti-TNF therapies and will be judged based on their performance at 12 and 104 weeks, with headline results expected to be published in 2016.

The results of the study will provide new insights into treatment strategies for a condition that can lead to joint damage, physical disability and increased mortality rates.

Professor Dr Iris Loew-Friedrich, chief medical officer and executive vice-president at UCB, said: "We believe that Exxelerate should help to provide additional evidence to support early, informed management decisions for people living with this chronic, progressive disease."

Earlier this month, the company published positive new trial data at the American Epilepsy Society to support the clinical profile of its drug Vimpat.