NEW YORK (Reuters) - Human Genome Sciences Inc. on Wednesday said its experimental monoclonal antibody belimumab (LymphoStat-B) for rheumatoid arthritis significantly reduced symptoms in a mid-stage trial of patients with moderate to severe forms of the disease.
The biotechnology company said the positive results were seen in a phase II trial of 283 patients in the United States and Poland who had previously failed to benefit from standard drugs.
The company, based in Rockville, Maryland, said 36% of patients taking the lowest dose of belimumab achieved at least a 20% improvement in symptoms after 24 weeks. By contrast, only 17% of patients receiving placebo reported comparable pain relief, the company said.
All patients continued to receive standard treatments, including up to two disease-modifying drugs, prednisone and methotrexate.
Patients who received belimumab took one of three doses, while others instead added intravenous placebo infusions to their standard treatments over the 24-week trial period.
Patients receiving the two higher doses of the Human Genome Sciences drug, however, did not show a statistically significant improvement.
The company said its drug was well tolerated, with no significant differences from placebo in side effects.
Human Genome Sciences is also testing the drug against lupus.
MeSH Headings:Clinical Trials: Environment and Public Health: Epidemiologic Methods: Evaluation Studies: Health: Health Occupations: Health Services Administration: Medicine: Investigative Techniques: Population Characteristics: Preventive Medicine: Public Health: Quality of Health Care: Specialties, Medical: Epidemiologic Study Characteristics: Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation: Health Care Evaluation Mechanisms: Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment: Biological Sciences: Health CareCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
