UCB, Inc. to Showcase Broad Immunology Portfolio at EULAR 2012

BRUSSELS, June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, a leading biopharmaceutical company, is sponsoring several data presentations for its immunology portfolio at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Annual European Congress of Rheumatology in Berlin, Germany, June 6-9, 2012.

"We are pleased to show our continued commitment to improving the lives of those living with autoimmune diseases," said Professor Dr. Iris Loew-Friedrich, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, UCB. "The breadth of presentations in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoporosis illustrate UCB's ongoing research in these areas."

In the European Union, certolizumab pegol in combination with methotrexate (MTX) is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe active RA in adult patients inadequately responding to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including MTX. Certolizumab pegol can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or when combined treatment with MTX is inappropriate. In the U.S., certolizumab pegolis approved for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. In the U.S., the medicineis also approved for reducing the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and maintaining clinical response in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Certolizumab pegol is being investigated in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis, and is not approved in these indications.

Epratuzumab is being developed for the treatment of moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD22, a B cell-specific protein. CD22 is considered to be a regulator of B-cell function and these cells are known to contribute to SLE by over-reacting and producing antibodies against the body's own cells and tissues.Epratuzumab is unlicensed for clinical use.

Olokizumab is being developed for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe RA. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-6 cytokine. IL-6 is involved in several autoimmune and inflammatory pathways. Olokizumab is the first of a new type of IL-6 inhibitor that selectively blocks the final assembly of the IL-6 receptor signaling complex.Olokizumab is unlicensed for clinical use.

UCB and Amgen are collaborating on the development of CDP7851/AMG 785 for the treatment of bone-related conditions, including postmenopausal osteoporosis. CDP7851/AMG 785 is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits sclerostin, thereby stimulating bone formation while decreasing bone resorption, leading to significant increases in bone mass and bone strength.CDP7851/AMG785 is unlicensed for clinical use.

Following is a guide to the 20 UCB-sponsored presentations being presented as oral presentations, posters or abstracts at EULAR.

  1. [LB0001] Effect Of Certolizumab Pegol (CZP) On Signs And Symptoms In Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis (PSA): 24 Week Results Of A Phase 3 Double Blind Randomized Placebo (PBO)-Controlled Study (RAPID-PSA)

    Date/Time:Friday, June 8, 2012 3:30 p.m.
    Session Info: Oral. Abstract Session, Late Breaking Abstract Session, Hall 4.1


  2. [FRI0150] Maintenance Of Remission In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Low-Moderate Disease Activity Following Withdrawal Of Certolizumab Pegol Treatment: Week 52 Results From The Certain Study

    Date/Time:Friday, June 8, 2012 12:15 p.m.
    Session Info: Poster Tour F02, RA Anti-TNF, Poster Area Hall 2.2


  3. [SAT0126] Evaluation Of Two Dosing Regimens Of Certolizumab Pegol For Maintenance Of Clinical Response In Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Primary Results From DOSEFLEX, A Phase IIIB Study

    Date/Time:Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:15 a.m.
    Session Info: Poster Session, Poster Area


  4. [AB0480] Certolizumab Pegol Plus Methotrexate Is Similarly Effective In Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Regardless Of Prior TNF Inhibitor Use: Analysis Of The DOSEFLEX Phase IIIB Study

    Abstract Book


  5. [SAT0151] Long-Term Safety Of 4-Weekly Certolizumab Pegol In Rheumatoid Arthritis: 5 Year Results From An Open Label Extension Study

    Date/Time:Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:15 a.m.
    Session Info: Poster Session, Poster Area


  6. [SAT0145] Timing And Magnitude Of Initial Response To Certolizumab Pegol In A Broad Population Of Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Predicts Likelihood Of LDA At Week 28

    Date/Time:Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:15 a.m.
    Session Info: Poster Session, Poster Area


  7. [FRI0173] Gastrointestinal Perforations With Certolizumab Pegol

    Date/Time:
    Friday, June 8, 2012 11:45 a.m.
    Session Info: Poster Session, Poster Area


  8. [AB0317] Association Of ACR Clinical Responses With CDAI (Clinical Disease Activity Index) And Rapid3 (Routine Assessment Of Patient Index Data 3) Indices Of Disease Activity In Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated With Certolizumab Pegol Plus Methotrexate

    Abstract Book


  9. [SAT0084] Effects Of Different Steroid Doses On Adverse Events And Radiographic Progression Of Certolizumab Pegol-Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

    Date/Time:Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:15 a.m.
    Session Info: Poster Session, Poster Area


  10. [FRI0160] Certolizumab Pegol Did Not Result In A Decrease In Semen Quality In Healthy Volunteers: Results From A Phase 1 Study

    Date/Time:Friday, June 8, 2012 11:45 a.m.
    Session Info: Poster Session, Poster Area


  11. [AB0469] Improved Physical Function, Pain, And Health Related Quality Of Life With Certolizumab Pegol In Japanese Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Without Methotrexate Co-Administration: Results From The Hikari Study

    Abstract Book


  12. [AB0468] Improved Physical Function, Pain, And Health Related Quality Of Life With Certolizumab Pegol In Japanese Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With An Inadequate Response To Methotrexate: Results From The JRAPID Study

    Abstract Book


  13. [AB0467] Rapid Achievement Of Remission With Certolizumab Pegol Was Maintained For One Year: Interim Results From Fast, A German Non-Interventional Study In Rheumatoid Arthritis Real Life Patients

    Abstract Book


  14. AB0501] Efficacy And Safety Of Certolizumab Pegol With Concomitant Methotrexate In Korean Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With An Inadequate Response To Methotrexate

    Abstract Book


  15. [OP0273] Inhibition Of B Cell Receptor Signaling With Epratuzumab And The Effects Of Alpha-2,6-Sialic Acid Removal

    Date/Time:
    Saturday, June 9, 2012 9:45 a.m.
    Session Info: Oral. Scientific Session, Inhibitory Checkpoints in Inflammation, Room Berlin 2


  16. [SAT0196] An Assessment Of Impairment Of Productivity Among SLE Patients

    Date/Time:Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:15 a.m.
    Session Info: Poster Session, Poster Area


  17. [AB0617] Characterization Of SLE Patients Experiencing Flares In Epratuzumab Clinical Trials

    Abstract Book


  18. [AB0633] Epratuzumab-Treated SLE Patients Report Improvements In Health-Related Quality Of Life: Interim Results From A U.S. Open-Label Extension Study

    Abstract Book


  19. [SAT0076] Comparison Of Anti-Interleukin-6 And Anti-Interleukin-6 Receptor Antibodies Using In Vivo Functional Systems

    Date/Time:Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:15 a.m.
    Session Info: Poster Session, Poster Area


  20. [AB0091] Mathematical Modeling Of Interleukin-6 Signaling Inhibition: Comparative Efficiency Of Different Intervention Strategies

    Abstract Book

Following is a guide to the UCB- and Amgen-sponsored data presentations at EULAR.

[OP0044] The Effects Of Multiple Doses Of Sclerostin Antibody AMG 785 In Healthy Men And Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass

Date/Time:Thursday, June 7, 2012 11:30 a.m.
Session Info: Oral. Abstract Session, Osteoporosis, Hall 5.2B

[OP0042] Increased Modeling-Based Bone Formation And Decreased Bone Resorption On Endocortical Surfaces In Male Cynomolgus Monkeys Treated With Sclerostin Antibody

Date/Time:Thursday, June 7, 2012 11:10 a.m.
Session Info: Oral. Abstract Session, Osteoporosis, Hall 5.2B

Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) in the U.S. important safety information

Risk of Serious Infections and Malignancy
Patients treated with CIMZIA are at an increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. CIMZIA should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Reported infections include:

  • Active tuberculosis, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis. Patients with tuberculosis have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before CIMZIA use and during therapy. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to CIMZIA use.
  • Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis , coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Empiric anti-fungal therapy should be considered in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness.
  • Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria.

The risks and benefits of treatment with CIMZIA should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with CIMZIA, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy.

Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, of which CIMZIA is a member. CIMZIA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.

Patients treated with CIMZIA are at an increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death. Opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, parasitic, or other opportunistic pathogens including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis and tuberculosis have been reported with TNF blockers. Patients have frequently presented with disseminated rather than localized disease.

Treatment with CIMZIA should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including clinically important localized infections. CIMZIA should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions, and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants (e.g. corticosteroids or methotrexate) may be at a greater risk of infection. Patients who develop a new infection during treatment with CIMZIA should be closely monitored, undergo a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for immunocompromised patients, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated. Appropriate empiric antifungal therapy should also be considered while a diagnostic workup is performed for patients who develop a serious systemic illness and reside or travel in regions where mycoses are endemic.

Malignancies
During controlled and open-labeled portions of CIMZIA studies of Crohn's disease and other diseases, malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were observed at a rate of 0.5 per 100 patient-years among 4,650 CIMZIA-treated patients versus a rate of 0.6 per 100 patient-years among 1,319 placebo-treated patients. In studies of CIMZIA for Crohn's disease and other investigational uses, there was one case of lymphoma among 2,657 CIMZIA-treated patients and one case of Hodgkin lymphoma among 1,319 placebo-treated patients. In CIMZIA RA clinical trials (placebo-controlled and open label) a total of three cases of lymphoma were observed among 2,367 patients. This is approximately 2-fold higher than expected in the general population. Patients with RA, particularly those with highly active disease, are at a higher risk for the development of lymphoma. The potential role of TNF blocker therapy in the development of malignancies is not known.

Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults who received treatment with TNF-blocking agents (initiation of therapy 18 years of age), of which CIMZIA is a member. Approximately half of the cases were lymphoma (including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, while the other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies associated with immunosuppression and malignancies not usually observed in children and adolescents. Most of the patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants.

Cases of acute and chronic leukemia have been reported with TNF-blocker use. Even in the absence of TNF-blocker therapy, patients with RA may be at a higher risk (approximately 2-fold) than the general population for developing leukemia.

Heart Failure
Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. CIMZIA has not been formally studied in patients with CHF. Exercise caution when using CIMZIA in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.

Hypersensitivity
Symptoms compatible with hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, dyspnea, hypotension, rash, serum sickness, and urticaria, have been reported rarely following CIMZIA administration. If such reactions occur, discontinue further administration of CIMZIA and institute appropriate therapy.

Hepatitis B Reactivation
Use of TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers of this virus. Some cases have been fatal. Evaluate patients at risk for HBV infection for prior evidence of HBV infection before initiating CIMZIA therapy. Exercise caution in prescribing CIMZIA for patients identified as carriers of HBV, with careful evaluation and monitoring prior to and during treatment. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, discontinue CIMZIA and initiate effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment.

Neurologic Reactions
Use of TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, has been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis, and with peripheral demyelinating disease, including Guillain-Barre syndrome. Rare cases of neurological disorders, including seizure disorder, optic neuritis, and peripheral neuropathy have been reported in patients treated with CIMZIA. Exercise caution in considering the use of CIMZIA in patients with these disorders.

Hematologic Reactions
Rare reports of pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia, have been reported with TNF blockers. Medically significant cytopenia (e.g., leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia) has been infrequently reported with CIMZIA. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on CIMZIA. Consider discontinuation of CIMZIA therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.

Drug Interactions
An increased risk of serious infections has been seen in clinical trials of other TNF blocking agents used in combination with anakinra or abatacept. Formal drug interaction studies have not been performed with rituximab or natalizumab; however because of the nature of the adverse events seen with these combinations with TNF blocker therapy, similar toxicities may also result from the use of CIMZIA in these combinations. Therefore, the combination of CIMZIA with anakinra, abatcept, rituximab, or natalizumab is not recommended. Interference with certain coagulation assays has been detected in patients treated with CIMZIA. There is no evidence that CIMZIA therapy has an effect on in vivo coagulation. CIMZIA may cause erroneously elevated aPTT assay results in patients without coagulation abnormalities.

Autoimmunity
Treatment with CIMZIA may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue treatment if symptoms of lupus-like syndrome develop.

Immunizations
Do not administer live vaccines or attenuated vaccines concurrently with CIMZIA.

Adverse Reactions
In controlled Crohn's clinical trials, the most common adverse events that occurred in >5% of CIMZIA patients (n=620) and more frequently than with placebo (n=614) were upper respiratory infection (20% CIMZIA, 13% placebo), urinary tract infection (7% CIMZIA, 6% placebo), and arthralgia (6% CIMZIA, 4% placebo). The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions in the controlled clinical studies was 8% for CIMZIA and 7% for placebo.

In controlled RA clinical trials, the most common adverse events that occurred in > 3% of patients taking CIMZIA 200 mg every other week with concomitant methotrexate (n=640) and more frequently than with placebo with concomitant methotrexate (n=324) were upper respiratory tract infection (6% CIMZIA, 2% placebo), headache (5% CIMZIA, 4% placebo), hypertension (5% CIMZIA, 2% placebo), nasopharyngitis (5% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), back pain (4% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), pyrexia (3% CIMZIA, 2% placebo), pharyngitis (3% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), rash (3% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), acute bronchitis (3% CIMZIA,1% placebo), fatigue (3% CIMZIA, 2% placebo). Hypertensive adverse reactions were observed more frequently in patients receiving CIMZIA than in controls. These adverse reactions occurred more frequently among patients with a baseline history of hypertension and among patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients receiving CIMZIA 400mg as monotherapy every 4 weeks in RA controlled clinical trials had similar adverse reactions to those patients receiving CIMZIA 200mg every other week. The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions in the controlled clinical studies was 5% for CIMZIA and 2.5% for placebo.

Please consult the full prescribing information in relation to other side effects, full safety and prescribing information: www.ucb.com

Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) in European Union/ EEA important safety information
Cimzia® was studied in 2367 patients with RA in controlled and open label trials for up to 57 months. The commonly reported adverse reactions (1-10%) in clinical trials with Cimzia® and post-marketing were viral infections (includes herpes, papillomavirus, influenza), bacterial infections (including abscess), rash, headache (including migraine), asthenia, leukopaenia (including lymphopaenia, neutropaenia), eosinophilic disorder, pain (any sites), pyrexia, sensory abnormalities, hypertension, pruritis (any sites), hepatitis (including hepatic enzyme increase) and injection site reactions. Serious adverse reactions include sepsis, opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, herpes zoster, lymphoma, leukaemia, solid organ tumours, angioneurotic edema, cardiomyopathies (includes heart failure), ischemic coronary artery disorders, pancytopaenia, hypercoagulation (including thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism), cerebrovascular accident, vasculitis, hepatitis/hepatopathy (includes cirrhosis), and renal impairment/nephropathy (includes nephritis). In RA controlled clinical trials, 5% of patients discontinued taking Cimzia® due to adverse events vs. 2.5% for placebo.

Cimzia® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients, active tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis or opportunistic infections or moderate to severe heart failure.

Serious infections including sepsis, tuberculosis and opportunistic infections have been reported in patients receiving Cimzia®. Some of these events have been fatal. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of infections including tuberculosis before, during and after treatment with Cimzia®. Treatment with Cimzia must not be initiated in patients with a clinically important active infection. If an infection develops, monitor carefully and stop Cimzia® if infection becomes serious. Before initiation of therapy with Cimzia®, all patients must be evaluated for both active and inactive (latent) tuberculosis infection. If active tuberculosis is diagnosed prior to or during treatment, Cimzia® therapy must not be initiated and must be discontinued. If latent tuberculosis is diagnosed, appropriate anti-tuberculosis therapy must be started before initiating treatment with Cimzia®. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms (e.g. persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever, listlessness) suggestive of tuberculosis occur during or after therapy with Cimzia®.

Reactivation of hepatitis B has occurred in patients receiving a TNF-antagonist including Cimzia® who are chronic carriers of the virus (i.e. surface antigen positive). Some cases have had a fatal outcome. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating treatment with Cimzia®. Carriers of HBV who require treatment with Cimzia® should be closely monitored and in the case of HBV reactivation Cimzia® should be stopped and effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated.

TNF antagonists including Cimzia® may increase the risk of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of demyelinating disease; of formation of autoantibodies and uncommonly of the development of a lupus-like syndrome; of severe hypersensitivity reactions. If a patient develops any of these adverse reactions, Cimzia® should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

With the current knowledge, a possible risk for the development of lymphomas, leukaemia or other malignancies in patients treated with a TNF antagonist cannot be excluded. Rare cases of neurological disorders, including seizure disorder, neuritis and peripheral neuropathy, have been reported in patients treated with Cimzia®.

Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia, have been infrequently reported with Cimzia®. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on Cimzia®. Consider discontinuation of Cimzia® therapy in patients with confirmed significant haematological abnormalities.

The use of Cimzia® in combination with anakinra or abatacept is not recommended due to a potential increased risk of serious infections. As no data are available, Cimzia® should not be administered concurrently with live vaccines or attenuated vaccines. The 14-day half-life of Cimzia® should be taken into consideration if a surgical procedure is planned. A patient who requires surgery while on Cimzia® should be closely monitored for infections.

Please consult the full prescribing information in relation to other side effects, full safety and prescribing information. European SmPC date of revision November 2011.

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/001037/WC500069763.pdf

For further information
Eimear O'Brien, Director, Brand Communications
T +32.2.559.9271, Eimear.OBrien@ucb.com

Andrea Levin, Associate Director, U.S. Communications and Public Relations
T +1.770.970.8352,
Andrea.Levin@ucb.com

Antje Witte, Investor Relations, UCB
T +32.2.559.9414,
Antje.Witte@ucb.com

France Nivelle, Global Communications, UCB
T +32.2.559.9178,
France.Nivelle@ucb.com

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 8,500 people in about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2011. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

Forward looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial information, expected legal, political, regulatory or clinical results and other such estimates and results. By their nature, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or to obtain them on acceptable terms, costs associated with research and development, changes in the prospects for products in the pipeline or under development by UCB, effects of future judicial decisions or governmental investigations, product liability claims, challenges to patent protection for products or product candidates, changes in laws or regulations, exchange rate fluctuations, changes or uncertainties in tax laws or the administration of such laws and hiring and retention of its employees. UCB is providing this information as of the date of this press release and expressly disclaims any duty to update any information contained in this press release, either to confirm the actual results or to report a change in its expectations.

There is no guarantee that new product candidates in the pipeline will progress to product approval or that new indications for existing products will be developed and approved. Products or potential products which are the subject of partnerships, joint ventures or licensing collaborations may be subject to differences between the partners. Also, UCB or others could discover safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with its products after they are marketed.

Moreover, sales may be impacted by international and domestic trends toward managed care and health care cost containment and the reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers as well as legislation affecting biopharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement.

SOURCE UCB

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