UCB study reveals insight into Cimzia patient response

UCB has published a new study showing that early response rates among rheumatoid arthritis patients using its drug Cimzia can help to predict successful treatment prospects.

Post-hoc analysis of the certolizumab pegol therapy showed that disease activity response rates after 12 weeks can be used to forecast the effect on structural joint damage after one year.

This conclusion was reached after a placebo-controlled study that assessed Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 and European League Against Rheumatism response criteria.

These include improvements in physical function and pain levels compared to other patients with similar conditions.

Dr Edward Keystone, of the Rebecca MacDonald Center for Arthritis at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, said: "This post-hoc analysis is consistent with previous evidence that suggested an opportunity for healthcare professionals to predict clinical outcomes as early as week 12 when treating rheumatoid arthritis patients with certolizumab pegol."

This comes after the company launched Get to Goal last month, a new campaign that encourages rheumatoid arthritis patients to create personal treatment goals.