Released 15 May 2008

New rheumatoid arthritis treatment to begin Phase II trials

A drug which could be used to treat people with ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has begun a new Phase II trial, according to a US drug company.

Medarex announced that it is to begin the Phase II trial of its fully-human monoclonal antibody, known as MDX-1100. The drug targets the signalling protein CXCL10 (also known as IP-10).

The company said that it was starting the tests after Phase I studies showed the drug was safe in humans.

The Phase II RA trial will involve 70 patients with the disease. They will be given MDX-1100 or a placebo every two weeks for a total of six doses.

According to Medarex, the treatment is effective at suppressing the inflammatory process characteristic of RA and UC.

Geoffrey Nichol, senior vice president of product development at Medarex, commented: "Based on positive safety data in Phase I studies, we have initiated patient enrolment in Phase II studies that are designed to establish proof-of-concept.

"We are optimistic about the broad potential of MDX-1100 to address a range of inflammatory diseases."

A spokesman for the Arthritis Research Campaign said the results of the Phase II study would be eagerly awaited.ADNFCR-1096-ID-18595674-ADNFCR

Recent related stories:

New gel could help people with osteoarthritis
24 July 2008
 Combination of methotrexate and etanercept 'effective for rheumatoid arthritis patients'
18 July 2008
 Abatacept 'could help children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis'
15 July 2008
 Efalizumab linked to development of psoriatic arthritis
14 July 2008
 Strontium ranelate 'could reduce fracture risk in women with osteoporosis'
11 July 2008
 New drug approved for tests on gout patients
11 July 2008
 Aspirin 'could help people with osteoporosis'
10 July 2008