An experimental lupus treatment has met the main goal of a late-stage trial in patients with the chronic disease, a surprise result after the drug failed an earlier mid-stage study.
Reuters reports that the unexpected success, if replicated in a second late-stage study, could offer lupus patients a new alternative in a field littered with trial failures and limited approved therapies. Biogen and Belgian partner UCB plan to start the second study later this year.
The drug, called dapirolizumab pegol, showed a more significant reduction in disease activity when given with treatments like corticosteroids and drugs that suppress the immune system, compared with a placebo in the 321-patient trial, the companies said.
The disease, which mostly affects women, is unpredictable as it causes a range of symptoms. Approved treatments include AstraZeneca’s Saphnelo and GSK’s Benlysta.
“There has been substantial progress for our patients, especially with the approval of some of these new therapies. But the reality is, the unmet need remains,” said Adam Meyers, the head of Biogen’s immunology and new disease areas division.
“We commonly hear things about modest efficacy or slower onset of action, and our goal is to try to improve upon treatment options for our patients,” he added.
The drug is being tested in patients with the most common form of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, where their immune system attacks the body’s own tissues and potentially leads to organ failure.
AstraZeneca’s Saphnelo was approved in 2021, while GSK’s Benlysta first gained approval in 2011. Several other drugmakers are also developing experimental lupus drugs.
Reuters article – Biogen-UCB's lupus drug meets main goal of late-stage trial (Open access)
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