Biogen Idec announced today that its Phase II trial of baminercept (BG9924, LTßR-Ig) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) did not meet its primary endpoint
Cambridge, MA, USA | October 9, 2008 | Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) announced today that its Phase II trial of baminercept (BG9924, LTßR-Ig) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) did not meet its primary endpoint. The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of baminercept-treated patients who achieved an ACR50 response, a standard measure of disease improvement in RA, compared to placebo at 14 weeks. The study also did not meet any of the pre-specified secondary endpoints. Biogen Idec will continue to analyze the study results and will submit the data for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting.
Based on these results as well as preliminary data from a Phase II trial of baminercept in RA patients who have had an inadequate response to a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, the company has decided to discontinue the development of the compound in RA.
About the 104RA202 Study
The 104RA202 study was a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, dose-finding trial involved 380 individuals with active RA who had an inadequate response to conventional DMARD therapy. The trial was designed to assess the efficacy of five different regimens of baminercept when administered over 12 weeks in combination with methotrexate within this patient population.
About the 104RA203 Study
The 104RA203 study was a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in patients with active RA who had an inadequate response to TNF inhibitors. About 120 patients were expected to be enrolled in the trial, which was designed to assess the efficacy of 200 mg dose of baminercept administered over 12 weeks in combination with methotrexate.
In both studies, the primary endpoint study was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR50 response, defined as a 50% improvement compared to baseline for swollen and tender joint counts and other clinical measures, at week 14. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients to achieve scores of ACR20 (a 20% improvement compared to baseline for swollen and tender joint counts and other clinical measures) and ACR70 (a 70% improvement compared to baseline for swollen and tender joint counts and other clinical measures), improvement in DAS scores, and accepted tools to evaluate improvements in Quality of Life.
The safety data to date, including incidence of overall adverse events, serious adverse events and infections, suggest that baminercept was well-tolerated.
About RA
RA is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 1.3 million Americans and hinders daily activities. The damage that occurs in RA is a result of the immune system attacking joint tissue, causing painful chronic inflammation, irreversible destruction of cartilage, tendons and bones, which often results in disability. Common RA symptoms include inflammation of the joints, swelling, fatigue, stiffness and pain. Additionally, since RA is a systemic disease, it can affect other tissues such as the lungs and eyes.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec’s significant products that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.
SOURCE: Biogen Idec
Post Views: 62
Biogen Idec announced today that its Phase II trial of baminercept (BG9924, LTßR-Ig) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) did not meet its primary endpoint
Cambridge, MA, USA | October 9, 2008 | Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) announced today that its Phase II trial of baminercept (BG9924, LTßR-Ig) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) did not meet its primary endpoint. The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of baminercept-treated patients who achieved an ACR50 response, a standard measure of disease improvement in RA, compared to placebo at 14 weeks. The study also did not meet any of the pre-specified secondary endpoints. Biogen Idec will continue to analyze the study results and will submit the data for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting.
Based on these results as well as preliminary data from a Phase II trial of baminercept in RA patients who have had an inadequate response to a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, the company has decided to discontinue the development of the compound in RA.
About the 104RA202 Study
The 104RA202 study was a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, dose-finding trial involved 380 individuals with active RA who had an inadequate response to conventional DMARD therapy. The trial was designed to assess the efficacy of five different regimens of baminercept when administered over 12 weeks in combination with methotrexate within this patient population.
About the 104RA203 Study
The 104RA203 study was a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in patients with active RA who had an inadequate response to TNF inhibitors. About 120 patients were expected to be enrolled in the trial, which was designed to assess the efficacy of 200 mg dose of baminercept administered over 12 weeks in combination with methotrexate.
In both studies, the primary endpoint study was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR50 response, defined as a 50% improvement compared to baseline for swollen and tender joint counts and other clinical measures, at week 14. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients to achieve scores of ACR20 (a 20% improvement compared to baseline for swollen and tender joint counts and other clinical measures) and ACR70 (a 70% improvement compared to baseline for swollen and tender joint counts and other clinical measures), improvement in DAS scores, and accepted tools to evaluate improvements in Quality of Life.
The safety data to date, including incidence of overall adverse events, serious adverse events and infections, suggest that baminercept was well-tolerated.
About RA
RA is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 1.3 million Americans and hinders daily activities. The damage that occurs in RA is a result of the immune system attacking joint tissue, causing painful chronic inflammation, irreversible destruction of cartilage, tendons and bones, which often results in disability. Common RA symptoms include inflammation of the joints, swelling, fatigue, stiffness and pain. Additionally, since RA is a systemic disease, it can affect other tissues such as the lungs and eyes.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec’s significant products that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.
SOURCE: Biogen Idec
Post Views: 62
