UCB’s Cimzia shows quality of life benefits in new study

UCB has reported positive data from RAPID-axSpA, a study showing the impact its drug Cimzia can have on the quality of life and productivity of people with axial spondyloarthritis.

Findings from the phase III trial revealed that axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis suffer from relatively low levels of workplace and household productivity as a result of their condition.

Cimzia was shown to address this by delivering rapid improvements in pain, fatigue and physical function levels compared to placebo, meaning patients were able to accomplish more and participate in social and daily activities more easily.

The drug is not yet approved for treating this condition, with regulatory filings planned by UCB later this year.

Desiree van der Heijde, professor of rheumatology at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, said: "There is a need for effective treatments to help prevent work losses and days missed from family, social and leisure activities to reduce the individual and economic burden of the disease."

The firm also reported data from another study this week showing that Cimzia can provide similar benefits for psoriatic arthritis patients.