Amgen and AstraZeneca PLC Highlight Data to be Presented at European League Against Rheumatism Annual Meeting

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. and GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) and AstraZeneca (AZN), with its biologics research and development arm MedImmune, today announced that they will present data from a Phase 2 study evaluating brodalumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-17 receptor, being investigated for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis at the 2013 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Annual Meeting in Madrid, June 12-15, 2013.

“The brodalumab data being presented at EULAR demonstrate a positive benefit-risk profile for patients with psoriatic arthritis,” said Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. “We are encouraged by these data as we continue to explore brodalumab for its potential to treat patients with inflammatory disease including psoriatic arthritis.”

Based on the Phase 2 results, the companies intend to advance brodalumab into Phase 3 clinical studies for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in 2014.

“This brodalumab data marks a positive step forward for patients with psoriatic arthritis,” said Dr. Bahija Jallal, executive vice president, MedImmune. “We look forward to working with Amgen to further evaluate this novel therapy in psoriatic arthritis and potentially other chronic immune-mediated diseases.”

ABSTRACT OF INTEREST:

Brodalumab Abstract at EULAR:

• Efficacy of Brodalumab, an Anti-IL-17R Antibody, in Subjects with Psoriatic Arthritis
  Abstract No. OP0103, Oral Presentation, Thursday, June 13, 10:20 a.m. CET, N117

Abstracts are currently available on the EULAR website at www.eular.org.

About Brodalumab

Brodalumab is a highly-selective human monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks signaling via the IL-17 receptor. The IL-17 pathway plays an important role in inducing and promoting inflammatory disease processes.

Brodalumab is the first investigational treatment in development that blocks the IL-17 receptor, thereby blocking several of the IL-17 ligands at once. By stopping IL-17 ligands from binding to the receptor, brodalumab prevents the body from receiving signals that may lead to inflammation and other ailments. At this time, other agents in development seek to target a single IL-17 ligand.

In addition to psoratic arthritis, brodalumab is currently being investigated for the treatment of psoriasis (Phase 3) and asthma (Phase 2).

About Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease of the immune system that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling which can become progressively worse over time, and may also include red patches of skin topped with silvery scales.¹

The progressive joint damage, pain and swelling coupled with painful, scaly, red skin patches can disrupt a person’s ability to perform daily activities, such as using their hands, standing for long periods or walking.² Psoriatic arthritis affects 30 to 50 percent³ of the approximate 125 million people worldwide who have psoriasis.⁴

About Amgen

Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe, effective medicines from lab to manufacturing plant to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping people around the world in the fight against serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives. For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca.com.

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SOURCE Amgen