UCB reveals results of trial into safety of certolizumab pegol

UCB has revealed the outcome of a trial into certolizumab pegol ? its treatment for Crohn’s disease.

The humanised anti-TNF alpha monoclonal antibody brought about remission of the condition in 32 per cent of patients after a period of six weeks, it was discovered.

Additionally, 25 per cent of patients in the study taking a placebo achieved remission at week six.

However, the results were “not statistically significant in the overall population, meaning that the primary endpoint was not achieved”, according to the pharmaceutical organisation.

The study, which involved more than 400 patients at 104 medical centres around the globe, spanned from March 2008 to August 2009.

Meanwhile, in other UCB news, the firm reported last week that it has signed a new 1.5 billion euro (1.3 billion pound) revolving credit facility.

This is to refinance its four billion euro banking facility that was arranged in association with its acquisition of Schwarz Pharma in 2006, it revealed.