UCB reports positive efficacy data on Cimzia

UCB has published new data from a clinical study of its rheumatoid arthritis therapy Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), showing its ability to deliver a rapid and effective performance.

Results from an open-label extension of the Realistic clinical trial has shown that Cimzia was able to deliver a rapid and sustained clinical response over 28 weeks among patients with moderate to severe symptoms.

Consistent efficacy and improved physical function was observed regardless of prior anti-TNF therapy, concomitant disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or duration of disease.

Co-lead investigator Dr Maxime Dougados, professor of rheumatology at Rene Descartes University, said the breadth of the patient sample used in this trial means these results will accurately reflect the drug's real-life efficacy.

"These results are encouraging because they show that the rapid improvement in disease activity, as a result of the clinical response to certolizumab pegol, is sustained in patients who failed on previous therapies," added Dr Dougados.

This comes after UCB published separate findings earlier this month showing how early response rates to Cimzia can help to predict overall treatment success rates.