GSK announces start of Phase III programme of sirukumab in rheumatoid arthritis
GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) today announced that - as part of its collaboration with Janssen Biologics (Ireland) - the Phase III programme evaluating sirukumab (CNTO 136), a human anti-interleukin (IL)-6 monoclonal antibody in the treatment of patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has commenced dosing.
- (1888PressRelease) August 24, 2012 - The two studies comprising the Phase III programme are:
SIRROUND-T: A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of sirukumab administered subcutaneously in subjects with active RA despite anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of sirukumab as measured by the reduction of the signs and symptoms of RA in subjects with active RA who are refractory or intolerant to anti-TNF-α agents.
SIRROUND-D: A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of sirukumab administered subcutaneously in subjects with active RA despite disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of sirukumab as measured by the reduction of the signs and symptoms of RA and inhibition of radiographic progression in subjects with active RA who are refractory to DMARDs.
“The start of the Phase III programme in rheumatoid arthritis is an important milestone in our collaboration with Janssen Biologics.” commented Paul-Peter Tak, Senior Vice President, GSK Immuno-inflammation. “It shows progress in the challenging area of autoimmune diseases and our focus of bringing a promising new therapeutic option to patients living with this debilitating disease.”
About sirukumab (CNTO 136)
Sirukumab is an investigational human monoclonal IgG1 kappa antibody in Phase III development for the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is not approved as a treatment for RA or any other indication anywhere in the world. Sirukumab targets the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6, a naturally occurring protein that is believed to play a role in autoimmune conditions like RA.
In December 2011, GSK and Janssen Biologics (Ireland) entered into a co-development and co-commercialisation license agreement with respect to sirukumab for RA. Prior to the agreement, Janssen Research & Development, LLC had been developing sirukumab for RA.
About rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition that is often characterised by symptoms that include pain, stiffness and inflammation, and in some cases, joint destruction and disability. It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans and more than 23.5 million people worldwide are affected by the condition, for which there is no cure.
GlaxoSmithKline –one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com
GlaxoSmithKline cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK' s operations are described under 'Risk factors' in the 'Financial review & risk' section in the company's Annual Report 2011 included as exhibit 15.2 to the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2011.
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